Transport minister Simon Bridges says the opening of the new Metroport Christchurch inland port and freight hub will drive competition between port operators in the region.
The new Port of Tauranga owned facility in Rolleston near Christchurch, will face competition from a new Littleton Port of Christchurch (LPC) facility called MidlandPort which will also be built in the same area.
The transport ministers’ words were prophetic because as he officially opened Metroport on Friday July 31, LPC issued a statement to media confirming that construction of its new MidlandPort facility was underway.
LPC also says in the statement that retail giant, The Warehouse ,had confirmed it will utilise the MidlandPort facilities as soon as they become operational.
The Port of Tauranga owned Metroport hub offers freight operators another option to receive, pack and distribute containerised cargo as if it were a seaport.
“This new inland port has rail and road connections, giving cargo owners an efficient hub to move goods around Canterbury, and to and from PrimePort Timaru,” says Bridges.
“This will enhance competition between the ports of Lyttleton and Tauranga and will likely mean improvements in port productivity and customer service.”
“Improving freight logistics is part of ensuring ongoing economic growth,” says Bridges.
LPC’s MidlandPort will be operational later this year with a road shuttle to Lyttelton Port then, in early 2016, a rail operation.
“Our Rolleston facility is called ‘MidlandPort’ to reflect its focus on servicing the increasing productivity from the Canterbury plains, primarily the export growth driven by increased irrigation,” says LPC chief executive Peter Davie.
He says MidlandPort will provide better supply chain efficiency for central Canterbury importers and exporters as it is strategically placed at the intersection of major freight arteries.
“LPC’s MidlandPort is critical for increasing container movement by rail, helping remove trucks from Christchurch roads and allowing customers to avoid delays,” says Davie.
