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New Zealand operator continues to prepare for bigger ships, increasing container volumes
Ports of Auckland (POAL) has today announced the purchase of a new tug and two straddle carriers as the New Zealand operator continues to expand its container business.
The tug and straddle carriers, requiring an investment of around NZ$12 million, are already under construction, according to POAL.
“Container volumes are up, Auckland is growing fast, and this investment is all about handling that growth efficiently,” said Ports of Auckland CEO, Tony Gibson.
“This new equipment will help us get the most out of our compact central city site.”
The ASD 2411 tug (see picture) is being built by Dutch shipbuilder Damen at its facility in Changde, China, and boasts a 68-tonne bollard pull making it the strongest tug operating at POAL. The port’s current strongest tugs, Waipapa and Waka Kume have 51 tonnes bollard-pull.
POAL’s new straddle carriers will be two Noell Eco-drive SC634E straddle carriers, equipped with the latest safety and driver-assist technology, similar to modern cars.
POAL handles over 818,000 TEU, more than 1,400 ship calls and 4.4 million tonnes of break-bulk (non-containerised) cargo annually.
