Port Napier overtakes Ports of Auckland in export volumes

Napier Port has overtaken Ports of Auckland to become the North Island’s second largest export port, its annual results show.

The East Coast port’s annual report shows a 2 percent increase in exports to over 3.7 million tonnes, much of it being forestry-based products. Log volumes were close to 1 million tonnes.

An 8.5% lift in the number of containers handled to the end of September saw a record 204,065 TEUs (twenty foot equivalents), which makes Napier Port the fourth largest container port in the country.

The port’s revenue increased 11% to $60.3 million, and net profit was $11.08 million.

“As we convert our growth aspirations into reality, Napier Port’s significance at a national level continues to increase,” said chief executive Garth Cowie. “Our growth has been based on a superior service model, understanding individual customer’s business needs and tailoring transport logistics to those requirements whenever possible.”

Cowie says Napier Port has now achieved a record 373, and counting, days with no lost time injuries which he says is a considerable achievement in an environment of heavy containers and cargoes, moving machinery vessels and people.