Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) has surpassed 500,000 TEU in its financial year 2022 (1 July 2021-30 June 2022), breaking its all-time container record. The total container volume was 502,210 TEU, representing a 15% growth from FY 2021.
In addition, LPC achieved to raise its net profit after tax for FY 2022 by 18% compared with the previous year, reporting US$18.9 million.
“It’s been a year of great highs, but one tragic low for the Port with the loss of Cargo Handler, Don Grant, on ANZAC Day. Don’s passing was deeply shocking for the LPC whānau and this loss is felt by us all, but most of all by Don’s family,” commented Kirstie Gardener, the first female chief executive of LPC.
The port company said that while external investigations into this accident continue, the port is focussed on supporting staff who have been affected. LPC noted it implements health and safety improvements through programmes that assess the controls in place for critical risks.
It also launched a comprehensive Permit to Work system this year, which increases visibility and control over contractors and others carrying out work around the largest port in the South Island of New Zealand, including allowing LPC to intervene when work practices need to be changed.
Meanwhile, there is an ongoing project, the US$85 million Eastern Development programme, which will expand the Lyttelton Container Terminal on the Te Awaparahi Bay reclamation and boost capacity from 500,000 to 620,000 TEUs per year.
“We have completed some major upgrades to our Dry Dock facilities this year and we’re also adding a new container yard, four new reefer towers, new truck receival and dispatch lanes, and a new straddle workshop facility,” pointed out Kirstie.
Furthermore, LPC said that increased volumes have made the carbon reduction efforts harder, but reported a 7% decrease in carbon intensity per TEU.
