Tauranga used its AGM as an opportunity to give a public update on progress of the clean up and salvage operations.
Since the grounding, the Port of Tauranga has been working with Maritime New Zealand to co-ordinate the emergency response – seconding staff, work boats, and cargo shed space for the operation.
But Rena wasn’t the only topic up for discussion at the meeting. Port of Tauranga chairman, John Parker, outlined a good year for the group. The group has seen net profit grow to 17.2%, driven by strong growth across most cargoes and a focus on containing costs.
Mr Parker said the port would see: “Significant investment over the next few years to cater for expected growth”.
This will mean investment at the Sulphur Point Container Terminal to better equip it for larger ships. There will also be wharf extensions, the purchase of a new crane, and the realisation of deeper shipping channels and berths to handle larger vessels.
“We see this investment as vital to Tauranga continuing to be chosen as the North Island’s hub port and New Zealand’s port for the future”.