Ports of Auckland continues to make a significant economic and social contribution to Auckland and New Zealand, despite the ongoing difficult international shipping and trading environment, said chief executive Tony Gibson.
Mr Gibson said that Auckland delivered strong growth in the last six months of 2016 and that, moving forward, the company is focused on making “further improvements to its capability and capacity through innovation, training and technology".
Indeed, in the last six months of 2016, revenue was up 4% to NZ$110.5m. Trading profit before income tax was also up 5.89% to NZ$36.9m. The company also recorded a dividend of NZ$25.3m, in line with the same period last year. New banking arrangements were also put into place.
Container, car and multi-cargo volume all recorded an increase on the same period in 2015.
The company also engaged in a number of strategic partnerships and alliances in the last six months in 2016, including a partnership with Pacifica, ANL and other shipping customers to provide coastal shipping services for freight to South Island communities affected by the Kaikoura earthquake.
Ports of Auckland has also set itself two targets: to be carbon neutral by 2025 and have zero emissions by 2040. Several projects with a focus on sustainable development are already underway, including the construction of the Fergusson northern berth and the Waikato inland freight hub, due for completion in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
“It’s our ambition to be the most sustainable port in New Zealand and a pioneer in sustainability within the industry,” said Mr Gibson. “Our sustainability operating principles are that activity must be conducive to customer and stakeholder relationships, contribute to a financially sound operation and be environmentally friendly.”
