Port of Tauranga, the New Zealand’s largest freight gateway, today announced that they are on track to become the first port in the country to transport more than one million containers across its wharves in a single year.
Commenting the port’s half year financial results, Port of Tauranga Chief Executive, Mark Cairns , said that he is relieved to see revenue growth as cargo volumes grow, after the completion of a five-year, $350 million capital spending program that included preparing for larger vessels.
Mr Cairns said: “We are consolidating our position as the port of choice for international shipping lines, with ship visits in the six-month period rising 4% to 774 from 741 in the same period last year.
“Following the completion of our harbor dredging program in September 2016, Maersk introduced a large vessel service, with Tauranga as its only New Zealand call. The 9,500 TEU Aotea Maersk has been a regular visitor since October.”
In its ‘Financial Report for the Six Months Ended 31 December 2016’, the authorities said that during this period Port of Tauranga invested $43.9 million in new infrastructure to further increase storage capacity and productivity.
The investments included final payments on the two new gantry cranes commissioned, thirteen new straddle carriers and several property developments at the container terminal.
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