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Opening marks ‘next phase of Tauranga’s growth’, says CEO
Port of Tauranga, New Zealand’s largest port, has officially opened its newly expanded container facilities.
The capital expenditure programme, described as the “next phase of Port of Tauranga's growth” by chief executive Mark Cairns, included the extension of the container wharf by nearly a third at a cost of NZ$30 million, the installation of a new super post-Panamax gantry crane and ancillary equipment, and enhanced landside cargo capacity.
“It's a huge step-up in the capability of New Zealand's port infrastructure,” added Cairns.
“We’re now in an excellent position to handle new services and the growing trend to more frequent visits from larger ships.”
The investment programme at the port’s container terminal is the largest expenditure since its opening two decades ago and will be complemented by major dredging works, which are scheduled to begin later this year. The dredging works will see the shipping channels within Tauranga Harbour widened and deepened to enable the port to handle larger ocean carriers in the near future.
“Our ability to cater for larger ships will not only benefit the Bay of Plenty, but also the broader national economy,” said Cairns.
“These investments are vital to ensure New Zealand’s exporters can remain competitive globally.”
“Port of Tauranga will continue to invest to ensure we lead New Zealand’s port infrastructure developments into the future.”
