Vehicle imports continue to flow on Ports of Auckland with operations now solely focused on moving freight throughout the Covid-19 crisis.
Ports of Auckland spokesman Matt Ball says ships are still coming in with vehicles and the main priority is to get them cleared off the wharves as quickly as possible.
“Vehicle transporters will be taking them straight to storage yards and getting them off the port,” he says.
At this stage they will remain in storage as they will not be going through compliance and registration.
Carr & Haslam director Chris Carr says the “essential thing is we don’t want to disrupt the supply chain and we need to keep it operating”.
“Ports will be a priority and clearing the ports will be a priority so they can operate … the wharves can’t be left to clog, they must be shifted,” he says.
Essential freight on container and cargo ships includes everything from bananas, coffee, cereals and “yes, even toilet paper”, the port says.
“The supermarkets will remain stocked so there’s no need to panic buy and we are taking additional measures to ensure our staff and our borders are protected from Covid-19.
“As one of Auckland’s lifeline utilities we are acutely aware of our responsibility to ensure that 1.7 million Aucklanders can continue to get key essentials through the port amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We’re also aware that many Auckland businesses rely on getting imports in or exports out via our port to keep their businesses running.
“We want to reassure you that we are doing all we can to safeguard our ability to service ships, so we can continue to serve Aucklanders. Ports of Auckland’s container and multi cargo terminals are open and operating,” the port says.
