Berthing window issues in NZ
Shipping lines are reporting congestion-related issues throughout New Zealand’s port network, with little capacity existing to accommodate the realities of vessels frequently arriving outside of their scheduled berthing windows.
Swire Shipping New Zealand country manager Brodie Stevens said there is pressure on berthing windows throughout the country, but with attention most notably centred on Ports of Auckland (POAL).
“The current Auckland terminal issue — which is a combination of the reduced terminal footprint due to the planned automation process, a straddle accident late last year, labour shortages at times, high import volumes pre-Christmas, inability to move out empties, etc. — has had a flow-on effect through other New Zealand ports,” he said.
“You can work on the assumption that Auckland is the first port of call for vessels to discharge imports and if they are delayed here, or are late arriving, it has a knock-on effect.”
Infrastructure projects are underway at POAL and the Port of Tauranga — the country’s two largest ports — as well as at other ports around the country. However, Mr Stevens is not convinced those will deliver sufficient future capacity.
“These enhancements will assist for the next five–ten years.
“The real challenge is what is the longer-term solution as container export and import volumes will increase.”
