In a bid to prepare itself for the ever-increasing size of container ships, the Port of Tauranga in New Zealand is to spend US$150m over the next three years on port developments that will include deepening the port’s shipping channels and adding two new tugs and cranes to its operations.
As reported by The Bay of Plenty Times, Stuart Crosby, Mayor of Tauranga, said: “It's not only great news for Tauranga city but the whole Bay of Plenty region and New Zealand. But more importantly this is a positive, smart move for the future growth and development of the Port.”
The rapid increase in mega-ship sizes has caused concern for port and terminal operators, with USWC ports describing these ships as ‘weight-lifters on steroids’.
There are also concerns regarding the capabilities of crane equipment at ports, with Drewry recently stating that a fundamental change in the way containers are handled would be required to increase productivity.