Port Taranaki is closing its container operation and container transfer site due to increased competition in the supply chain market.
The introduction of larger international container vessels, the development of inland ports and the increased use of rail transport linking regions to ports with international departures, are factors that led to the decision, Port Taranaki chief executive Guy Roper says.
“We have not had a full container service at Port Taranaki for three years – the last container ship to call was in October 2014.
“Since then we have worked hard with potential customers and shipping lines to make it viable to call at the port.
“However, container services rely on scale and throughput, and with the changes to the national supply chain, we have been unable to secure sufficient trade to attract shipping lines,” Roper says.
The site is expected to close at the end of January and talks are taking place with two affected staff members.
The port also closed its Blyde Wharf cold store on November 1 which was used for chilled and frozen products in the dairy and poultry industries. There was one job loss as a result.
The decision to withdraw from the container business followed a strategic review by the Port Taranaki Board.
Board chairman Peter Dryden says changes occurring within the New Zealand supply chain and the need to operate a sustainable and successful business brought about the decision.
Investing further into the container sector “was not viable”, he says.
“Port Taranaki will now focus on growth in other areas of the business, such as our burgeoning log business, as well as concentrating on our core business of bulk liquids, bulk dry products and support of the offshore oil and gas sector.”
Dryden says the port will retain its mobile harbour cranes in support of other work, including Port Taranaki’s offshore business.
“We will be working with local logistics providers to ensure continuity for Taranaki importers and exporters,” he says.
