New Zealand’s northernmost deep-water port, Northport has announced an investment of US$6.15 million (AU$8 million) in its infrastructure aiming to support the growth of container traffic through the port.
Northport Ltd, the operator of the port, will enhance Northport’s container-handling capabilities with two new reach stacker container handlers and a new dock-truck and MAFI trailer. The company will also buy a simulator module to train staff in operations of the new equipment.
Additionally, the port will expand its container storage area and will upgrade its lighting to enhance safety during 24-hour operations. Northport will start paving an extra 40,000m² of its south-west development in October and install at a later stage six 35 metres towers with LED lights for the first time at the port.
“We have had to rise to the unexpected challenges presented by recent unplanned and large-scale container traffic, with the bare minimum of equipment,” said Northport chief executive, Jon Moore, who expects container traffic to keep growing and believes that the timing for the port investments is right.
Northport Ltd has forecasted a 15% year-on-year increase in the volume of container traffic for this financial year to the end of June.
Moore noted this investment was not linked to a possible expansion of the port. “This is equipment we need to manage the here and now,” he pointed out.
