Getting to Know the Port of Auckland
We’re taking a closer look at the Port of Auckland by sharing some fast and interesting facts.
- The Port of Auckland is the largest container and international trade port in New Zealand. It handles around $27 billion of trade each year.
- The port was originally established back in the 1840s, on an 82ha strip of land between Manukau Harbour in the southwest of New Zealand, and Waitemata Harbour in the east. Since then, it has grown from strength to strength as well as in size, with plans to develop the port further extended to 2040.
- The Port of Auckland is focusing on going green. They purchased the world’s first full-size, fully electric port tug, a Damen RDS-E Tug 2513 which is being delivered this year. The managing body, Ports of Auckland Limited, has also made a commitment to achieve Zero Emissions by 2040.
- Congestion is a problem at this port, and the pandemic has played an exacerbating role in this. These delays are being caused by increasing demand for containers, an incomplete automation programme, and a staff shortage as a result of qualified workers not being allowed to enter the country due to Covid-19 restrictions. This congestion is becoming a multi-million-dollar problem for shippers around the world.
- In 2020 alone, the Port of Auckland moved a total of 880,781 containers, handled 216,356 cars (which are a major import for this port), and had moved 258,444 passengers before the Covid-19 lockdown.
- In 2020, this port became New Zealand’s first automated container port in the world, as well as the first port to automate while still operating. This should see them being able to create capacity to handle the growth in Auckland for the next 50 years.
- The Port of Auckland’s revenue for 2020 was $231.4 million, compared to $248.1 million for 2019. Their net profit after tax in 2020 was $23.o million, compared to $53.9 million in 2019.
- If you are ever in New Zealand, a visit to the Waterfront in Auckland is a must! Here you’ll see the world’s largest soil-based vertical garden, which has 3800 plants growing.
Being such a progressive port, we are excited to see the development that will take place here over the next few years.
If you’re looking for underwater maintenance services at the Port of Auckland, feel free to enquire with us.
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