Port Nelson has reported net profit after tax of $8.2 million for its 2020 annual result, down 46% year-on-year.
Revenue was down 6% to $66.7m compared to $70.7m the year prior.
Total cargo volume was down 15% to 3.3 million tonnes and container volume was down 3% to 116,162 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU).
Apples and kiwifruit had a strong year, reflecting what was a bumper harvest in Tasman.
Overseas demand for wine increased in the 2020 financial year, which was reflected due to strong harvests in 2019 and 2020, as well as a growing realisation of cost efficiencies, quality, and environmental benefits of the QuayConnect service between Marlborough and the port.
Logs made up approximately 30% of the volume across the port, well down on the record high of the previous year due in part to the dramatic increase in the export of logs from central Europe as a result of a beetle infestation, as well as the close down of the forestry industry during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The port continues its commitment to be zero carbon by 2050 and activities include electrification of its small vehicle fleet, retained ISO 14001 certification for the port’s environmental management system, purchased a new crane to improve efficiencies as well as improved results in noise reduction, and recycling of packing used in the transportation of wine.
Port Nelson chief executive Hugh Morrison says adapting to COVID-19 dominated much of the port’s year from a people and safety perspective.
“As essential workers the port was aware of the privilege of having steady work, while also carrying the risks of working at a port receiving first call international vessels,” he says.
The port continues its work on resilience with its capital works programme addressing both natural disasters as well as economic resilience. These works include the re-development of Main Wharf North due for completion in early 2021 and proposed dredging.
