Ports of Auckland has announced a major proposal to reorganise its port operations.

Under the proposal, which is subject to consultation, the port would berth the majority of visiting container ships at its newly expanded Fergusson terminal, and base all stevedoring staff there. 

“We propose increasing the proportion of containers handled at Fergusson, already New Zealand’s largest container terminal, and moving to a single workforce,” Managing Director Jens Madsen said.

“These proposed changes are about operating as one team and being as efficient as possible in the way we use our labour, equipment, land and berths.”

“Falling trade volumes, as a result of the global recession, and the recent expansion of our Fergusson container terminal, have given us an opportunity to re-think the way we operate.”

“The proposal would remove unnecessary duplication of overheads and infrastructure and further improve the Port's ability to resource customer demand at peak periods. It would also provide significant cost savings and further enhance productivity.

Mr Madsen said that although the port would handle as many containers as it could at Fergusson, Bledisloe would remain an essential part of container operations.

Under the proposal, 51 staff based at Bledisloe container terminal would be made redundant and 29 new positions created at Fergusson container terminal. Eight redundancies in support areas are also proposed.
This would mean an overall reduction in staff numbers of 30, out of 202 currently employed in the affected parts of the business.

“Of all the options considered, maximising the volumes we handle at Fergusson provides the greatest opportunity for the largest number of full time employees, without in any way compromising customer service levels and productivity,” Mr Madsen said.

“Looking forward, having a single, integrated workforce, and more efficient plant and berth utilisation, would also put us in a better position to sustain future growth. We are determined to emerge from the recession a stronger, more agile company.”

Consultation with staff is currently underway and the final decision will be made in the week commencing 11 May 2009.