Napier Port has reported a lift in container volumes for the half year to March 31, while bulk cargo declined slightly and cruise visits dropped.
The company says total container volumes increased 3.5% to 116,000 TEU compared with the same period a year ago, while bulk cargo volumes fell 1.5% to 1.68 million tonnes. Cruise vessel calls declined from 77 to 54.
Chief executive Todd Dawson says the result reflects a stabilisation in cargo volumes following strong growth in 2025.
“During the first half of the year, we have seen a consolidation in total cargo volumes following the strong volume growth experienced in our 2025 financial year. Another good growing season, supported by favourable conditions, has driven continued growth in refrigerated container cargo volumes, offsetting a small reduction in bulk cargo volumes within our overall cargo mix,” Dawson says.
Refrigerated export cargo volumes rose 9.2% to 21,000 TEU, driven by a 21.7% increase in fresh and chilled produce such as squash and onions, and a 12.6% rise in apple exports. Meat exports declined 4.5%.
Containerised imports increased 12.9% to 57,000 TEU, largely due to a 19.4% increase in empty container imports as equipment was repositioned to support exports.
Bulk cargo volumes were slightly weaker overall, with log exports down 5.4% for the half year. This was partially offset by a rise in other bulk exports, up 39% to 70,000 tonnes, mainly due to higher coastal fertiliser movements. Bulk imports increased 9% to 332,000 tonnes, also driven by fertiliser demand.
Dawson says cruise activity has declined in line with wider trends across Australia and New Zealand.
“Cruise calls have declined following a reduction in cruise tourism across Australia and New Zealand. However, vessels visiting Napier during the current season were larger on average, with a corresponding 15% increase in passengers per vessel,” he says.
Napier Port says it will provide a further update when it releases its half-year financial results on May 20.
