Ports of Auckland volumes strong in first quarter

Ports of Auckland volumes strong in first quarter

A strong first quarter of the financial year for Ports of Auckland is a positive sign for the economy, says Managing Director Jens Madsen.

Mr Madsen said that overall container volumes (TEU or 20ft equivalent units) in the three months to 30 September were up nearly 8% on the same period last year. Of container volumes, full import containers were up over 10% while full export containers were up 4%.

Trans-shipment volumes increased by over 15% reflecting growing use of Ports of Auckland as a North Island hub port.

Vehicle units were up by more than 25%. This includes cars, trucks and equipment such as farm machinery.

“The increase in import volumes is reflective of the buying appetite of New Zealanders, and could be seen as encouraging as the country works its way out of the 2008/09 recession,” Mr Madsen said.

The cruise ship season gets underway this Friday, with 79 scheduled visits to Auckland, up from 62 visits through the last financial year.

ENDS

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