Focus on Fergusson

In the biggest operational changes at Ports of Auckland in a decade, the consolidation of  container operations over Fergusson terminal took effect on Monday last week (6 July).

General Manager Operations Grant Jorey says, that although it was not  without its challenges, the change proceeded smoothly overall.

"During the week, the Port serviced several of its largest container ship callers simultaneously under the new model and achieved very good results," he said.

"The reorganisation is already delivering noticeable improvements in efficiency and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on berth productivity over the coming weeks and months."

As part of the consolidation process, the Fergusson road exchange was redesigned and expanded. Receival and delivery hours at Bledisloe have also been changed, following consultation.  See the opening hours page online for more details.

"We would like to thank our customers and all Port users for their patience and cooperation during this time of great change for the business," said Mr Jorey.

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Jens Madsen writes in the NZ Herald

Managing Director Jens Madsen shared his views on the future of Auckland's waterfront, its port and the New Zealand port industry in a column published in the New Zealand Herald today.

"In my opinion, city ports like ours - 'working waterfronts' - have an authenticity and vitality that should be celebrated, not hidden away," said Mr Madsen.

He said New Zealand, as a country, also needed to make some smart, strategic decisions about how to best cater for long-term growth in freight volumes.

"If New Zealand is to remain globally competitive, we must move beyond domestic infighting and parochialism and ensure we invest intelligently," he said.

Read more on the New Zealand Herald website

Agreement signed

Ports of Auckland is pleased to confirm that the Collective Employment Agreement, as recently ratified by the Maritime Union of New Zealand - Local 13, has been signed.

Online price schedule

Ports of Auckland has updated its price schedule at www.poal.co.nz, providing an easy-to-use, online tool for customers and port users.

The full price schedule is now interactive, with filters and column heading sorting functions, so users can find the services and information they need with the click of a mouse.  A PDF version is also available to download.

Click here to view the new online price schedule, within the Shipping & Cargo section of the website.

Appointments from graduate programme

Two members of Ports of Auckland’s graduate recruitment programme have been appointed to permanent roles with the company.

Julian Clarke has been appointed Strategic Capacity Planner, with responsibility for forecasting future container capacity requirements and providing strategic yard planning advice.

Colin Tasi has been appointed Resource Allocations Manager, overseeing the Allocations team and working to ensure effective and efficient use of labour.

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Vic Park tunnel progress welcomed

Ports of Auckland is welcoming news that the Victoria Park Tunnel could be completed in the time for the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

Chief Financial Officer Wayne Thompson said the acceleration of the project was very positive for the port company and its customers.

“The route between Ports of Auckland and Albany is one of the busiest and most important freight routes in the country, and the Victoria Park Tunnel project will provide significant travel time benefits to our customers.”

Mr. Thompson said that in recent years Ports of Auckland had invested heavily in deepening its shipping channel to cater for larger ships, expanding the Fergusson container terminal and in new technology and equipment to handle increased container volumes.

“We’re now well-placed to cater for growth in trade volumes – and it’s vital that the supporting transport links are in place. Advancing the completion of the Victoria Park Tunnel will help future-proof the region’s growth aspirations.”

Mr. Thompson said lifting the Auckland region’s competitiveness was crucial to the future of all New Zealand.

“New Zealand is among a small group of countries where the most GDP is earned by the biggest city. This makes Auckland’s performance particularly important for New Zealand’s future.”

In 2008, Ports of Auckland handled cargo worth nearly $27 billion, the equivalent of 15% of national GDP, and the same as the ports of Tauranga, Lyttelton and Whangarei combined.

Pilot boat on patrol

The Department of Conservation (DOC) undertook a second aerial bait drop of Rangitoto and Motutapu Island's last week, as part of an ambitious plan to restore the islands by creating a predator-free sanctuary for native wildlife.

Ports of Auckland again lent a helping hand, providing the Akarana pilot boat and crew to assist in advising public of the island closures in place. The islands will remain closed until Friday (17 July).

Read the DOC media release