Wellington’s CentrePort is reporting an underlying net profit after tax of $11.9 million for its full-year result, up 48% compared to last year.
Total container volumes were up 7% for the year to June with 95,753 TEU.
Bulk fuel was up 8.6% to 961,088 petroleum tonnes and log trade remained at similar levels to last year, up 0.2% with just over 1.7 million JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard).
Chief executive Anthony Delaney says a strong focus has gone on productivity, efficiency and a customer-centric approach.
“Our team of over 200 have worked hard to maintain relationships with our customers and look for long-term solutions that support them.
“This is something that continues to be recognised in the feedback we receive,” he says.
The port’s focus on efficiency has seen it become one of the most efficient ports in New Zealand with a gross crane rate of 28.61 moves per hour, up 4.79% on the previous financial year’s result, and ending the June 2023 Quarter at 29.55 – the best in New Zealand.
The port was also ranked as the most efficient container port in New Zealand and Australia for the World Bank CPPI index for the second consecutive year.
“The good news is that we have room to spare to do more with shippers and shipping lines that can only benefit New Zealand in the long run,” Delaney says.
Energy transformation
A key component of future operations will be through lower emissions.
The port has already achieved a more than 30% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions from its 2019 baseline and is on track to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
The establishment of a microgrid and shore power at the port will support ships to ‘plug in and switch off’ their engines, reducing their emissions while at port.
Solar panel arrays are also due to arrive at the port by mid-2024.
A further contributor to the supply chain is CentrePort’s inland hubs in Whanganui and Marlborough, which provide flexibility for shippers and customers.
“CentrePort’s freight hub operations offer cargo owners a strong connection to the port through a multi-modal transport network of rail and road,” Delaney says.
“Known as CentreConnect, it supports a more resilient and sustainable supply chain offering for New Zealand, with plans to transition its operation to alternative fuels and technology that will again lower emissions.”
Delaney says there are other highlights across the past 12 months, including the continued focus on the health and safety.
“Our people are the key contributor to our efficiency and productivity. I’m pleased that our continued approach to safety culture and practice has resulted in positive comments from both Maritime NZ and WorkSafe in relation to our operations they observed.”
While Delaney says there is much to celebrate, he acknowledges there are external challenges ahead.
“We can’t ignore the somewhat negative economic outlook and continued market disruption on the horizon, which is agnostic of where you are in the country.
“However, I’m confident our business will continue to grow, offering solutions to current and future customers while also supporting the Wellington region and New Zealand as a critical element of the supply chain.”
