Ports of Auckland half-year profit up 70%

Ports of Auckland announced a 70% increase in half-year profit, as rising productivity attracted more customers. Freight volumes lifted across the board, with a record number of containers handled in the six months to December 31.

Ports of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson said "Our productivity has gradually improved since we started restructuring in 2011. As we've delivered more of what our customers want, so they've rewarded us with more business. In effect the restructuring has enabled us to take advantage of an improving economy and Auckland's continuing growth."

Click here to read the media release

More from the newsdesk...

Ports of Auckland Round the Bays 2014

The sausages are ready and over 12,000 litres of water is chilled and waiting to be poured out for runners, walkers and amblers as the finishing touches are being made in preparation for Auckland?s favourite fun run, Ports of Auckland Round the Bays.

This year $150,000 raised from the event will benefit:

• Radio Lollipop will receive funds for new studio equipment.
• The Hearing House will use the funding to funds raised will provide for new equipment - a tympanometer and audiometer
• Crohn's and Colitis New Zealand - IBD Youth Camp for 25 participants.
• Auckland Cystic Fibrosis Branch - Exercise grant - encouraging participation in physical exercise to positively affect quality of life.
• Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust - Six months of subsidised music therapy sessions for 10 children.
• Lifeline (Kidsline) - Training of volunteer buddies.
• Fairfax First Books will provide children in disadvantaged communities with access to books.

As always, road closures will be in place to facilitate the event and ensure the safety of all parties.

Click here for more information

Art Container embarks on round the world voyage

The Art Container, commissioned by Ports of Auckland and Maersk Line was loaded on board the Maersk Bratan last week to begin its journey around the world.

The container, painted during SeePort by Askew One and Trust Me is part of a campaign by Ports of Auckland and Maersk Line to help make shipping more visible. On one side of the container, Askew One has created one of his famous faces - this one called Gigi, and on the other TrustMe has reimagined his 'Greetings from Aotearoa' artwork, which can be seen in Ponsonby.

You can follow the progress of the container by entering the container number (MNBU3380910) in the 'Track Shipment' field of the Maersk New Zealand website..

Click here to view a short video of SeePort

Ports of Auckland Cure Kids Charity Golf Day

Ports of Auckland held its Charity Golf Tournament yesterday. The event was a roaring success with 122 members of the shipping industry coming together on a glorious day to support a great cause....

This is the fourth year of the event and entry fees, on-course donations and supplier sponsorships helped raise $45,000 for Cure Kids..