Napier Port has released its trade volume data for the first quarter ended 31 December 2024, showing a 4.1% increase in containerised cargo volumes but a 9.5% decline in bulk cargo.
Containerised trade volumes for the NZX-listed port rose by 4.1% to 44,000 TEU, up from 43,000 TEU in the same period last year. Underlying “cargo laden” volumes—excluding empty containers and other movements—showed even stronger growth, increasing by 10.3%.
Dry export cargo was a key driver, surging 25.6% to 12,000 TEU, primarily due to the resumption of production at Pan Pac’s wood pulp and timber mills. This more than offset the impact of WPI’s ceased pulp and timber production, the company says. Boosted exports of canned goods and beverages also helped deliver an increase in cargo.
Reefer (refrigerated) exports remained steady at 5000 TEU, with increased shipments of apples and pears balancing out lower frozen meat exports.
On the import side, total containerised imports fell 14.9% to 20,000 TEU. The decline was driven by a 22.4% drop in empty container imports, as shipping lines delayed equipment movements. Dry and reefer imports remained flat year-on-year.
Other container movements, including DLRs (discharge, land and restows) and transhipments, rose to 5000 TEU, up from 1000 TEU in the prior year. This increase reflects higher container repositioning activity. The number of container vessel calls also rose, reaching 61 compared to 58 in the previous year.
Bulk cargo
Bulk cargo volumes experienced a notable decline, falling 9.5% to 0.91 million tonnes. Log exports dropped 11% to 0.73 million tonnes, with the previous year benefiting from logs sourced from Central North Island windthrown forests.
Charter vessel calls also decreased slightly to 63, down from 64 in the same period last year, as lower bulk volumes were partially offset by smaller average vessel load sizes.
Cruise services
Cruise services showed a significant recovery, with 24 vessels calling during the quarter, up from 20 in the same period last year. Napier Port has confirmed 79 cruise ship bookings for the current season, assuming no further cancellations.
