A New Zealand-made pilot vessel has arrived at CentrePort, bringing world-leading capabilities to help future shipping navigate Wellington’s harbour.

The vessel is named Te Haa, meaning ‘the breath’. The name is a reference to the breath exchanged between people when they touch noses in a hongi, which is analogous to the way the pilot vessel will meet visiting ships.

Yesterday Te Haa was welcomed into Wellington by Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, who advised on the naming of the vessel.

Te Haa is a jet powered boat able to operate safely in adverse weather conditions far out in the Cook Strait. It has a maximum speed of 32 knots, and will provide significant time and fuel efficiencies as it delivers pilots to ships visiting Wellington.

CentrePort’s Chief Executive, Derek Nind, is pleased the Port decided to build the ship in New Zealand.

“It’s fantastic that Kiwi expertise came together to produce this vessel. The jets came from HamiltonJet in Christchurch, the Scania engines were supplied by South Pacific Diesel Systems in Porirua, the electronics were supplied and fitted by ENL in Nelson, and it was all put together at Q-West Boat Builders in Whanganui,” said Derek Nind.

“Te Haa will help us accommodate future growth and larger ships in Wellington Harbour.

“The vessel will provide significant health and safety benefits to our pilots and launch crews, since it has been designed to provide a safe platform in adverse weather.

“She will enable central New Zealand businesses to connect with international markets, and provide a new level of safety, speed and efficiency.”

Colin Mitchell, General Manager at Q-West was pleased to win the project through a competitive international tender process.

“We were extremely proud to be selected, and of the men and women that have produced this quality craft.

“CentrePort now have one of the most high-tech pilot vessels in New Zealand, and we look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with them in the future,” said Colin Mitchell.

CentrePort is a returning customer for Q-West, which built its current vessel, the quarter-century old Tarakena. Tarakena is still in service, and will return to Q-West for a refurbishment before becoming CentrePort’s backup pilot vessel.

| A Centreport release  ||  September 2017   |||

MITO is delighted to announce that it has launched a new training programme that leads to the New Zealand Certificate in Port Operations (Level 3) qualification. This programme, designed for entry level positions in the port operations environment, provides specialist knowledge and skills in the heavy machine operation aspect of port operations.

MITO Chief Executive Janet Lane says “This new training programme offers a significant career pathway for port workers, helping to fulfil the training capacity requirements of the industry. We are pleased to launch this programme that supports improved job performance, enhances employment opportunities and reiterates MITO’s commitment to workforce development within the Ports and Stevedoring industry.”

The training programme takes 13 months to complete with MITO offering ongoing guidance and support throughout the entire programme. Programme delivery is implemented in-house, where approved company trainers deliver the training and conduct assessment internally. Training resources incorporate a blended approach to learning with both practical and theory elements, and ensure training outcomes are nationally consistent and quality assured.

“This programme could not have been accomplished without the dedicated commitment of the Port Industry Association and members of the Education and Training Sub-Committee,” says Ms Lane. “MITO wholeheartedly thanks them for their input and subject expertise. Together, we help ensure that workers within the port industry are provided with the educational opportunities and career pathways they need to stay safe and succeed in their jobs, now and in the future.”

View more information on the New Zealand Certificate in Port Operations (Level 3).

Maersk Line has announced it will resume its weekly container shipping service to Wellington.

The service will return once CentrePort has completed works that will allow its ship-to-shore cranes to operate. These works were required following damage sustained in the November 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. They are expected to be largely complete by September.

The Jens Maersk, deployed on Maersk Line’s Northern Star service and capable of carrying 3,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit), will make its first call at CentrePort on 18 September.

Gerard Morrison, Maersk Line Oceania’s managing director, applauded CentrePort’s efforts to complete the structural repairs needed to become fully operational again.

“CentrePort has kept us fully informed of its progress over the last nine months and we are very pleased to return to Wellington with our weekly Northern Star service. It allows us to serve our customers in the region faster and more efficiently,” said Mr. Morrison.

CentrePort Chief Executive Derek Nind welcomed the return of Maersk.

“We look forward to working with Maersk in the future as we resume our strong growth in container shipping volumes.

“This is great news for the region’s economy,” Derek Nind said.

Maersk Line’s Northern Star service deploys six 3,000-TEU sized vessels. The service makes six weekly port calls around New Zealand each week, connecting Kiwi consumers to goods, businesses to markets and enabling global trade. Through Maersk Line’s service network, New Zealand has access to 113 countries around the world.

Maersk Line is the world’s largest container shipping company, known for reliable, flexible and eco-efficient services. Part of A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S, headquartered in Copenhagen

| A Centrep release  || August 1,  2017   |||

Despite a wave phenomenon that kept ships from the harbour for a week Eastland Port and log marshaling and stevedoring companies ISO and C3 shattered monthly log throughput records this June.

A total of 287,349 tonnes of wood was loaded onto 14 log vessels as they berthed one after the other at wharf 8.

Eastland Port manager Andrew Gaddum says shifting that amount of wood is testament to the reliability and professionalism of ISO and C3 staff.

“Both ISO and C3 have worked hard to increase their ship load rates, and while we still collectively have work to do in this area, the huge volume exported during the month is testament to their hard work and focus.

“The fact that there were no significant safety issues identified or reported during that extremely busy month is also exceedingly pleasing.”

“When ships are alongside a port, it’s costing the exporters money, so these guys are the ones that through their skilfulness and shear hard work, can get the ship turned around and off to market as quickly as possible”

ISO employs around 110 people and C3 employs around 70.

Mr Gaddum says June’s throughput figures are the highest the port has achieved since Eastland Port, part of Eastland Group, was formed 14 years ago.

“We saw an 83 percent occupancy of wharf 8. With 14 ships docking during the month, and each one taking one to three days to load, we are getting closer to maximum capacity.”

The figures are all the more impressive because between June 12 and June 19 we couldn’t dock any ships due to infra-gravity waves rolling into the harbour, says Mr Gaddum.

“Long waves or infra-gravity waves cause problems in harbours around the world. These waves can’t be seen as they are usually masked by the sea and swell waves. But they can energise a moored ship and cause excessive movement and surging against the mooring lines.”

“When the time between wave peaks becomes extended we have issues in our port with ships becoming difficult to manage alongside the wharf, meaning we have to hold ships at the anchorage until the surge event passes.”

Mr Gaddum says the combined length of wharf 8 and wharf 7 is 360m. Eastland Port can currently accommodate vessels 200m long but with the greater volumes of wood forecast to arrive over the next 15 years, Eastland Port needs the capacity to berth two 200m ships simultaneously at wharf 8 and wharf 7.

“Within our port we don’t have enough wharf frontage to berth two 200m vessels at once. We need to extend wharf 8 by about 80 metres to get both ships in safely and we need to do it now.”

Gisborne Chamber of Commerce CEO Terry Sheldrake last week took part in a special Eastland Port onsite tour giving port staff a chance to share twin berth development plans with iwi, business groups, and members of the public.

Mr Sheldrake says standing at the southern end of the port gave him a chance to fully appreciate the port’s need to grow its capacity.

“It gave me, and other Chamber members who attended a real insight into what’s needed for the logging industry to continue to flourish for this city. I encourage other groups invited on the tour to take advantage of this unique opportunity and look behind the scenes.

| An Eastland Port release  ||  July 17,  2017   |||

Ports of Auckland has beaten out competitors from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific to be crowned Best Seaport in Oceania for the second year running.

The port was voted into the finals by customers and industry peers at the Asia Cargo News’ Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards; the only New Zealand port to be selected as a finalist amongst three Australian ports (Port of Melbourne, Port of Brisbane and Sydney Ports).

“I am so proud to accept the award as the best port in our region on behalf of our team. It is a fantastic achievement for Ports of Auckland and testament to the hard-working people that keep our port running 24/7. We have a world-class group of people working here, doing their best for our customers and Aucklanders” said Ports of Auckland Chief Executive Tony Gibson.

The awards recognise leading air and shipping lines, air and sea ports, logistics providers and other industry professionals. Ports of Auckland was the first recipient of the ‘Best Seaport in Oceania’ award when the category was introduced in 2016, and the only recipient in this category to date.

This year, thousands of Asia Cargo News readers cast votes across award categories such as Best Seaport, Best Container Terminal and Best Airport. Asia Cargo News reported votes in the thousands – a record number of votes were submitted this year.

|  A POL release  ||  June 30,  2017  |||

Napier Port continues to rely on Konecranes to further strengthen its important position on New Zealand’s North Island. In December 2017 six new lift trucks will be delivered to the terminal, situated in the rapidly growing Hawke’s Bay region.

The most recent order from Napier Port includes two Konecranes Liftace R 6-41 MS reach stackers, two Konecranes Liftace FDC 25 K7 DB empty container handlers, and lastly, two Konecranes Liftace FDC 480 G4 full container handlers. Another two FDC 480 G4 full container handlers have recently been put into operation in the terminal.

As the new reach stackers are foreseen to handle containers on both ship and rail side, Napier Port has deliberately opted for Liftace R 6-41 MS reach stackers. Being equipped with front side stabilizers, these machines feature up to 41 ton capacity in the second row and have a particularly low turning radius.

Warren Young, Container Operations Manager at Napier Port, explained:

“Our port is the logistic turnstile of the entire region. Technology from Konecranes has been a key element of our sustainable growth strategy and we are currently operating six Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbour cranes, four of which were delivered over the last four years. As these machines have become an integral part of our operation, it was logical to also opt for lift trucks from Konecranes. We are sure that relying on equipment and aftermarket support from one single supplier will enhance the efficiency of our operations.”

Tony Maxwell, Managing Director of Port Solution Ltd - distribution partner of Konecranes Lift Trucks concluded:

“Napier Port is situated in a region known as ‘the fruit bowl of New Zealand’ due to its high quality fruit production. The terminal is one of the country’s most important gateways to the world, with regard to both the export of goods such as food and timber, and the import of oil products, cement, fertilizers and general commodities, and Konecranes machines play a key role. In 2016, it was above all Napier’s container handling activities that grew significantly, and we are very pleased that this fast developping port decided to continue to benefit from Konecranes diversified offer.”

| A DryBulk release  ||  June 21,  2017   |||

For the second year running, Ports of Auckland has been selected as a finalist for the Best Seaport in Oceania, the only New Zealand port to make it through to the finals.

Ports of Auckland was voted into the finals of Asia Cargo News' Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards by industry peers and customers.

In 2016, Auckland's port beat out three major Australian ports to win the category.

"It is fantastic to be chosen as one of the best seaports in the region by our industry peers for another year. Our people have been working hard for our customers, building strong relationships and ensuring we're doing our best to deliver the utmost value for them. This is well-deserved recognition for our team" said Ports of Auckland Chief Executive Tony Gibson.

This year, thousands of Asia Cargo News readers cast votes across award categories such as Best Seaport, Best Container Terminal and Best Airport; the latter counts fellow Kiwis, Auckland Airport, as a finalist. Asia Cargo News reported votes in the thousands – a record number of votes were submitted this year.

Like last year, Ports of Auckland is up against three major Australian ports to retain the award; Port of Brisbane, Port of Melbourne and Sydney Harbour. The awards will be held on June 29 in Singapore.

|  A Ports of Auckland release   |||  June 16,  2017   |||

A dirty vessel ordered to leave Tauranga in the weekend will have to be thoroughly cleaned before it can re-enter New Zealand waters, says the Ministry for Primary Industries.

MPI ordered the DL Marigold to leave New Zealand within 24 hours on Sunday. The order followed the discovery of dense fouling of barnacles and tube worms on the bulk carrier’s hull and other underwater surfaces by MPI divers.

“The longer the vessel stayed in New Zealand, the greater chance there was for unwanted marine species to spawn or break away from the ship. So we had to act quickly,” says Steve Gilbert, MPI’s Border Clearance Director.

The DL Marigold arrived in Tauranga from Indonesia on 4 March. It had been due to stay in New Zealand waters for nine days.

MPI understands the vessel will go to Fiji for cleaning. It then plans to return to New Zealand to finish discharging a shipment of palm kernel expeller.

“The vessel won’t be allowed back until it can provide proof it has been thoroughly cleaned,” says Mr Gilbert.

He says it is the first time MPI has ordered an international vessel to leave a New Zealand port for biofouling reasons.

“We were dealing with severe contamination in this case.”

New rules will require all international vessels to arrive in New Zealand with a clean hull from May 2018.

During the interim period, MPI can take action in cases of severe biofouling.

| An MPI release  |  March 07, 2017  ||

Load handling equipment provider, Kalmar, will soon deliver two new container straddle carrier models to New Zealand shipping company, Port Otago.

According to Port Otago, the two Kalmar straddle carriers will include its ESC350 and ESC450 models. “Improved economy, performance, reliability, and safety are key facets of this purchasing decision, and the Port welcomes any developments in Straddle Carrier design that reflect genuine safety improvements,” said Bob Smillie, Maintenance Manager, Port Otago.

“The Port is currently conducting a detailed analysis of Kalmar’s HSC350 Hybrid, a design that is expected to be a leading contender for future Straddle Carrier replacement decisions.

“Port Otago Ltd operates in a pristine area of New Zealand, taking pride in environmental conservation while undertaking their operations. Kalmar therefore focuses on providing solutions to support their operations while maintaining environmental sustainability.”

Regular container shipping is returning to Wellington, with weekly visits by a geared ship linking central region businesses with international markets.

From Sunday 12th February an ANL ship will visit the Port weekly to drop off and pick up containers with its own cranes.

Chief Executive Derek Nind said the port’s gantry cranes were made inoperable by the Kaikoura earthquake on 14 November last year. Work is underway to resume modified crane operations within four to six months.

“CentrePort understands that customers have faced significant challenges as a result of the disruption caused by the earthquake. That’s why we’ve worked closely with ANL on this initiative, which will make it easier for central region businesses to connect with international markets.”

Noel Coom, General Manager of ANL New Zealand, said he expected the service to be well-utilised by central New Zealand shippers.

“We’re excited to be working with CentrePort on this initiative. By adapting our operations we are bringing regular container shipping in Wellington. We’ve already visited the Port since the earthquake, and this scheduled service will further meet the needs of central region businesses.”

The service will connect Wellington shippers directly with Australia, and will provide an opportunity for them to connect with services between North America, North Asia, South East Asia and globally.

CentrePort’s key trades of ferries, fuel, logs, cars, and cruise ships continue to operate.

|  A Centreport release  |  January 30, 2017  ||