Over Auckland Anniversary weekend, Ports of Auckland invites you behind the iconic red fence to discover your port from land, sky or the glistening sea. Captain Cook Wharf is transformed into a bustling summer carnival with family-friendly rides, tours and day-long entertainment on and off the water, including the SeePort Sunset Symphony & Fireworks with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and special guests.

Following on from the success of the 2016 festival which saw over 60,000 people visit Captain Cook Wharf, 2017 is set to be bigger and better than ever with in-air helicopter displays, the chance for a lucky few to experience the port from the heights of a crane and the Royal New Zealand Navy's inshore patrol vessel, HMNZS Taupo, Open Days. The festival will kick off with an official opening at 10am on the Sunday morning, following the gates opening at 9am.

SeePort is a chance to sneak a peek behind the red fence and discover your port; learn, explore, eat, have fun and be entertained over the only two days of the year the port is open to the public. Sun and sea are the perfect mix for a long weekend, and best of all it's mostly free! See a full schedule of events at www.seeport.co.nz 

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Next week CentrePort will begin work to secure its gantry cranes, as it develops plans to resume modified container operations within four to six months.

The 14 November earthquake caused significant damage to the Port, especially to the container area. This made its two gantry cranes inoperable. Each crane is 86 metres high and weighs 720 tonnes.

“Over the coming weeks we will secure the cranes, as the first stage in our plan to develop operations for customers and build resilience in case of another significant event,” Chief Executive Derek Nind said.

“Meanwhile, we continue to work with shipping lines on options for using geared ships as an interim solution. We have already had two of these visit the Port since the earthquake.

“For the medium term we are developing a plan for interim works that could restore modified container operations within four to six months. This would immediately improve CentrePort’s capacity and productivity, allowing us to serve the needs of importers and exporters in the central region. We will be keeping our customers informed as these plans develop.

“We know how important container shipping is to the regional economy. That’s why we worked hard to quickly restore limited container movements using ships with their own cranes. We are now assessing longer term options, to keep freight costs low for Wellington’s businesses.

“Over the coming days CentrePort will also commence maintenance on the berth pockets alongside part of Aotea Quay wharf. This will increase the flexibility of operations at the Port, since the earthquake has damaged Aotea Quay 1 and Thorndon Container Wharf.

“CentrePort is grateful to its customers for their ongoing support and patience during the recovery process.”

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

|  A Centreport release  |  January 10, 2017  |

1-Stop Connections (1-Stop) is the chosen IT solutions provider for the joint venture between Ports of Auckland (POAL) and Port of Napier (PON). 1-Stop is also the provider of choice for container terminals in Australia and the Philippines.

“Ports of Auckland and Napier Port are the gateways to two of the largest North Island provincial economies with significant growth and demands on infrastructure,” says Ports of Auckland Chief Executive, Tony Gibson.

The partnership will allow Auckland and Napier to work together to find ways to optimise services for freight customers and achieve further scale and efficiencies in the supply chain. It will prompt even greater competitive contestability and resilience in New Zealand’s supply chain to help lower costs to exporters and importers.

“There is a natural fit between Ports of Auckland and Napier Port. We share a similar way of working, common customers and supply chain opportunities and have similar ownership structures so that’s a great base to work from,” he added.

POAL’s commitment to improvement led to the launch of 1-Stop’s VBS in 2007. The VBS introduction was achieved because of widespread industry collaboration, which included representatives from border security, shipping lines, trucking companies and freight-forwarders. Initially presented in a trial format at the Axis Fergusson terminal, the early results of the VBS quickly proved it was creating a more efficient platform for trucks to operate within.

The VBS has consistently improved POAL’s truck turn times, year on year. In 2016, the average turn time was 19.65 mins with 86-90% of those turn around under 30 mins.

PON implemented 1-Stop’s VBS in 2015, to allow road carriers to book timeslots for the pick-up or delivery of containers. The VBS is instrumental in catering for increased truck volumes while simultaneously reducing turnaround times.

Michael Bouari, CEO, 1-Stop assures that the focus will be on working together with the two ports to achieve a common goal. “We will continue to work collaboratively with both terminals to ensure that 1-Stop’s products can seamlessly manage any increases in volume due to both terminals expanding dock side and inter-modally over the coming years,” says Bouari.

Since 1-Stop introduced the Vehicle Booking System, port communities have benefited through:

   · Reduction in queue times: 2 to 4-hour queue times to mostly no queues at the terminals.

   · Decreased TTT: Truck Turn Times at some terminals were reduced from 91 minutes to 37 minutes (and in some cases as low as 15 minutes’ averages)

   · Decrease in dwell times: By 30% in the first 2 weeks of operation

   · Increased throughput: Increased Terminals in South East Asia experienced a 20% increase in truck servicing

   · Increased utilisation: Trucking companies are experiencing up to 5 times more utilisation per truck

|  Source: Ports of Auckland  |  Dec 12,2016  |

A new tug designed specifically for Port Taranaki’s needs will be built and on the water in 2018.

A contract with Turkish tug-building company Sanmar Shipyards was signed late last month after months of investigation by Port Taranaki staff.

“We had a number of proposals from shipyards on specifications we had developed,” said Port Taranaki marine engineering supervisor Grant Squire. “We shortlisted three in China, Singapore and Turkey and made yard visits of each. This solution is a standard design with limited modification to meet our operating needs.”

The tug will replace the Kupe, which at 45 years is the oldest of Port Taranaki’s three tugs and was bought second hand from the Wellington port company, CentrePort. The Kupe will be put up for sale and released after the new tug is in operation.

“The Kupe has served us well but the design is now obsolete and the vessel was getting quite old,” Mr Squire said.

The new 25m in-harbour tractor tug will be the first build of a new line of tugs by Sanmar Shipyards, and based on a design by leading tug designer Robert Allan, of Canada. The state-of-the-art tug will include Caterpillar engines, Rolls-Royce propellers, and an electric towing winch by DMT. It will boast three two-berth cabins and will be operated by three people.

“A tractor tug has the propellers at the front,” said Mr Squire. “It allows for better handling for the type of rugged conditions we have on the west coast.”

The tug has a maximum bollard pull in excess of 65 tonnes, which is now the industry norm as larger vessels dominate. Port Taranaki’s other tugs, the Tuakana and Rupe, have a bollard pull of 40 tonnes and 29 tonnes respectively.

Mr Squire, who led the project, was impressed with the quality of Sanmar’s work – the company has built more than 170 tugs in 40 years of operation – and said their quality management and health and safety standards stood out.

Port Taranaki chief executive Guy Roper said the company was looking forward to having a new tug with greater power and state-of-the-art equipment join the fleet.

“A number of staff have worked very hard investigating the best design and manufacturer for the tug we require. We are very pleased with the result and are looking forward to having the tug on the water. It is a significant investment with a project budget of $12m.”

The new tug is expected to be completed by February 2018 and in operation at Port Taranaki in May 2018. Mr Squire will make regular visits to Turkey to oversee the build. The tug has a lifespan of 25-30 years.

A name for the tug will be decided closer to the time of its completion.

| A port Taranaki release | Dec 08, 2016 |

Napier Port now plans to lodge its resource consent applications for the proposed wharf development and phased dredging project in the first half of 2017, so it can do further work to confirm the best locations for disposal of dredged material.

Napier Port had planned to submit its applications to Hawke’s Bay Regional Council before the end of this year but, as a result of community input, now wants to allow more time for ongoing investigations for this part of the project.

Napier Port chief executive, Garth Cowie, says the Port chose to consult early and well ahead of formal notification of the applications so it could understand any potential impacts of the project on its stakeholders and the community.

Mr Cowie says most feedback has supported the economic opportunities the project would bring, however several groups, including divers and recreational fishers, have raised concerns about potential impacts from disposal of dredged material.

"We started this process to share our plans and then listen to what people had to say. What we are hearing is that some people are concerned about the possible impact that such a volume of dredged material might have if it’s deposited within the Bay," Mr Cowie says.  Continue to full article

NZ Quake Update: Auckland Supplies South Island

| Nov 16, 2016, Port Technology | Freight demand on New Zealand’s busiest domestic sea route, Auckland to Christchurch, has doubled following the massive Kaikoura Earthquake on Monday. With aftershocks still ongoing, road and rail links have been severely damaged.

Tony Gibson, Chief Executive , Ports of Auckland, said: “While the sudden increase in freight does put pressure on us, we will do everything we can to make sure the goods get through as quickly as possible. We are working closely with Pacifica, NZ’s domestic coastal shipping operator, and participating international lines. South Island goods are our top priority,

“It is only a small thing, but we are pleased to be able to help where we can,”

Steve Chapman, CEO of Pacifica said “The supply chain is open and the shelves will remain well stocked because coastal shipping is taking up the task previously carried out by road and rail. With the main road and rail links likely to be closed for months, we expect to be run off our feet, but we are well up to the challenge.”

Tomorrow morning, Thursday 17 November, Pacifica’s coastal container ship ‘Spirit of Canterbury’ will be in Auckland loading containers for Lyttelton.

There are five weekly services between Auckland and Lyttelton operated by domestic and international lines, with ample capacity to serve the current heightened demand.

Düsseldorf, Germany – Terex Port Solutions (TPS), the pioneer and technological pacesetter in terminal automation, starts a new chapter for operators of container terminals with Terex® diesel-electric straddle carriers. For the first time, TPS is automating a straddle carrier fleet for Ports of Auckland Ltd. (POAL) from New Zealand. By mid-2019, TPS will supply a total of 27 new, fully automated N SC 644 E (1-over-3) machines to work in the container stackyard and to serve trucks. At the same time, 21 existing manual straddle carriers are being upgraded so that they can work hand in hand with the 27 fully automated machines. In addition to the supply and upgrade of the vehicles, the order also includes all sub-systems and software systems required for operation. Before POAL placed the order, TPS verified the feasibility and safety of the concept in a detailed study. POAL is pursuing a double strategy: improved stacking capacity and high productivity

POAL currently operates a fleet of Terex N SC 634 E (1-over-2) diesel-electric straddle carriers and is pursuing a two-part strategy that includes the automation initiative and a step towards higher stacking capability which will deliver a medium-term increase in capacity from today’s 900,000 TEU to 1.6 to 1.7 million TEU. Tony Gibson, CEO Ports of Auckland Ltd.: “Due to community concerns, we cannot increase capacity at our container terminal through reclamation, so the only way is up. In future, we will use 1-over-3 straddle carriers in the container stackyard to

increase capacity. Automated straddle carriers also offer a number of other benefits: They are inherently safer, as there is no human on board; they deliver a positive environmental impact as they will consume up to 10% less fuel and produce lower emissions; they will be quieter and need less light on the terminal, reducing both noise and light pollution. Overall, automation offers us safety, environmental, community and capacity benefits.” In future, POAL will only use the existing 1-over-2 machines for horizontal container transport between ship-to-shore cranes and the storage area, which will help POAL maintain its currently high levels of productivity.

Comprehensive: all sub-systems and software systems also from TPS

Steve Filipov, President Terex Cranes and Material Handling & Port Solutions, is delighted to achieve another milestone in automation: “Automation will enable increased capacity and safe, efficient operations for terminals that organize container transport and storage with straddle carriers. We are pleased that this comprehensive project gives us the opportunity to help an ambitious terminal operator such as POAL with its long-term development objectives.” As a supplier of integrated systems, TPS is also responsible for all sub-systems required to operate the partly modified, partly newly assembled fleet. In addition to the TEAMS fleet management system, these sub-systems include the Navimatic® navigation system based on a terrestrial system and its corresponding antennae to determine the position of the vehicles. TEAMS and Navimatic, successfully implemented on several occasions by TPS in major terminals for automated operations in the past, have now been adapted to the specific requirements of straddle carriers to control the automated operations in Auckland. TPS will supply the interchange and fence control system, safety-relevant vehicle control systems and various sensor systems that will enable smooth interplay between the automated vehicles and manual straddle carriers, as well as other functions operated by staff in the terminal.

TPS well-equipped thanks to extensive test program

With its latest innovation, TPS is fulfilling the wish of many terminal operators to automate straddle carrier terminals. In addition, many terminals that currently use manual 1-over-1 sprinter carriers between ship-to-shore cranes and container stackyards would like to convert to automated machines in the future. Klaus Peter Hoffmann, Vice President & Managing Director TPS: “Against the backdrop of increasing demand, several years ago we started a comprehensive research and development program, in the course of which we created automation technology for both Terex straddle carriers and Terex sprinter carriers. We tested this over many months on prototypes at our testing grounds near the TPS competence center for straddle carriers in Würzburg, Germany, where we looked at design and operating principles, the control system, and the features of the positioning system. Our technology is now ready for market and has impressed POAL.”

Pioneer in automation: cutting edge with an integrated approach

TPS has been at the cutting edge of automation technology for port handling for a quarter of a century, and gradually expanded its range of products and services after the introduction of the first Terex® Gottwald automated guided vehicles (AGV), which were ready for series production in 1992. Initially the software required for operating AGV’s was supplied by the terminal operator or by third parties. Thanks to its growing experience in this area, TPS was able to take over development of navigation and management software. In addition to several AGV product lines, today’s TPS portfolio includes automated stacking cranes (ASC) for the container stackyard including the required software.

Thanks to the simultaneous delivery of the sub-systems required for automated transport and automated storage of containers, TPS is now a supplier of complete systems who can draw on a wealth of experience. And long before the first cut of the spade, TPS also provides support for its customers with the consultation services of its software brands, which include the simulation and emulation of terminal processes. Hoffmann: “Our wealth of experience, in addition to our unique range of automation products, makes us the natural partner for innovative solutions, as has now been demonstrated by the first order for fully automated straddle carriers from New Zealand. With this reference installation, we believe that we are perfectly positioned to convert more existing manual terminals into semi or fully automated terminals and to equip green field port facilities.”

Düsseldorf, Germany – Terex Port Solutions (TPS), the pioneer and technological pacesetter in terminal automation, starts a new chapter for operators of container terminals with Terex® diesel-electric straddle carriers. For the first time, TPS is automating a straddle carrier fleet for Ports of Auckland Ltd. (POAL) from New Zealand. By mid-2019, TPS will supply a total of 27 new, fully automated N SC 644 E (1-over-3) machines to work in the container stackyard and to serve trucks. At the same time, 21 existing manual straddle carriers are being upgraded so that they can work hand in hand with the 27 fully automated machines. In addition to the supply and upgrade of the vehicles, the order also includes all sub-systems and software systems required for operation. Before POAL placed the order, TPS verified the feasibility and safety of the concept in a detailed study. POAL is pursuing a double strategy: improved stacking capacity and high productivity

POAL currently operates a fleet of Terex N SC 634 E (1-over-2) diesel-electric straddle carriers and is pursuing a two-part strategy that includes the automation initiative and a step towards higher stacking capability which will deliver a medium-term increase in capacity from today’s 900,000 TEU to 1.6 to 1.7 million TEU. Tony Gibson, CEO Ports of Auckland Ltd.: “Due to community concerns, we cannot increase capacity at our container terminal through reclamation, so the only way is up. In future, we will use 1-over-3 straddle carriers in the container stackyard to

increase capacity. Automated straddle carriers also offer a number of other benefits: They are inherently safer, as there is no human on board; they deliver a positive environmental impact as they will consume up to 10% less fuel and produce lower emissions; they will be quieter and need less light on the terminal, reducing both noise and light pollution. Overall, automation offers us safety, environmental, community and capacity benefits.” In future, POAL will only use the existing 1-over-2 machines for horizontal container transport between ship-to-shore cranes and the storage area, which will help POAL maintain its currently high levels of productivity.

Comprehensive: all sub-systems and software systems also from TPS

Steve Filipov, President Terex Cranes and Material Handling & Port Solutions, is delighted to achieve another milestone in automation: “Automation will enable increased capacity and safe, efficient operations for terminals that organize container transport and storage with straddle carriers. We are pleased that this comprehensive project gives us the opportunity to help an ambitious terminal operator such as POAL with its long-term development objectives.” As a supplier of integrated systems, TPS is also responsible for all sub-systems required to operate the partly modified, partly newly assembled fleet. In addition to the TEAMS fleet management system, these sub-systems include the Navimatic® navigation system based on a terrestrial system and its corresponding antennae to determine the position of the vehicles. TEAMS and Navimatic, successfully implemented on several occasions by TPS in major terminals for automated operations in the past, have now been adapted to the specific requirements of straddle carriers to control the automated operations in Auckland. TPS will supply the interchange and fence control system, safety-relevant vehicle control systems and various sensor systems that will enable smooth interplay between the automated vehicles and manual straddle carriers, as well as other functions operated by staff in the terminal.

TPS well-equipped thanks to extensive test program

With its latest innovation, TPS is fulfilling the wish of many terminal operators to automate straddle carrier terminals. In addition, many terminals that currently use manual 1-over-1 sprinter carriers between ship-to-shore cranes and container stackyards would like to convert to automated machines in the future. Klaus Peter Hoffmann, Vice President & Managing Director TPS: “Against the backdrop of increasing demand, several years ago we started a comprehensive research and development program, in the course of which we created automation technology for both Terex straddle carriers and Terex sprinter carriers. We tested this over many months on prototypes at our testing grounds near the TPS competence center for straddle carriers in Würzburg, Germany, where we looked at design and operating principles, the control system, and the features of the positioning system. Our technology is now ready for market and has impressed POAL.”

Pioneer in automation: cutting edge with an integrated approach

TPS has been at the cutting edge of automation technology for port handling for a quarter of a century, and gradually expanded its range of products and services after the introduction of the first Terex® Gottwald automated guided vehicles (AGV), which were ready for series production in 1992. Initially the software required for operating AGV’s was supplied by the terminal operator or by third parties. Thanks to its growing experience in this area, TPS was able to take over development of navigation and management software. In addition to several AGV product lines, today’s TPS portfolio includes automated stacking cranes (ASC) for the container stackyard including the required software.

Thanks to the simultaneous delivery of the sub-systems required for automated transport and automated storage of containers, TPS is now a supplier of complete systems who can draw on a wealth of experience. And long before the first cut of the spade, TPS also provides support for its customers with the consultation services of its software brands, which include the simulation and emulation of terminal processes. Hoffmann: “Our wealth of experience, in addition to our unique range of automation products, makes us the natural partner for innovative solutions, as has now been demonstrated by the first order for fully automated straddle carriers from New Zealand. With this reference installation, we believe that we are perfectly positioned to convert more existing manual terminals into semi or fully automated terminals and to equip green field port facilities.”