‘Limit capacity’ to NZ hub ports

Describing the country’s future maritime scene as revolving around feeder ships moving cargo between a few larger ports and numerous smaller ports, Ms Young describes as “faulty reasoning” that smaller ports would increase draught in hope of attracting larger-calling ships.

“The only guarantee is that the increased capital investment will have to be funded by higher port charges or higher property rates,” says Ms Young.

“The aggregation of cargoes (both import and export) at inland ports is the nationwide trend. This leads to greater contestability between ports and increases the likelihood of fewer big ports servicing international routes.”

Ms Young adds that her organisation, which represents New Zealand’s coastal shipping operators, will be highlighting this issue with candidates in this year’s local body elections.

“Napier’s port is owned by the Hawkes Bay Regional Council and Horizons. At the election in October, the port owners need to demonstrate that they have exercised sound stewardship of the port assets.”