Auckland mulls semi-automation

Chief executive Tony Gibson described the freight growth in Auckland as “relentless” and said that the port is reaching the limit of what it can do with its current technology.

“We need more room,” he said. “We can’t go out so we need to go up, and for that automation looks the best bet.”

The proposal would involve the use of 15m tall automated straddle carriers to carry out the “less complex tasks” in the container yard. Auckland would be first semi-automated container port in New Zealand if proposal proceeds.

“Automation has the potential to deliver capacity, cost and environmental benefits,” said Mr Gibson, “but it would have an impact on jobs. Up to 50 jobs could be lost, although we would work hard to reduce this number.

The consultation period will run to about six weeks and the findings will be combined with a detailed scoping study to aid decision making on the viability of semi-automation.