Tony Gibson News

On July 29th, New Zealand’s Ports of Auckland signed a contract with the Damen Shipyards Group for the delivery of an innovative new vessel. The RSD-E Tug 2513 will be the first fully-electric ship-handling tug in the world with 70 tonnes bollard pull. The vessel completes the green cycle of energy in the port with its unrivaled performance in sustainability.Building on green foundationsDamen’s RSD Tug 2513, unveiled in 2018, already boasts extreme green credentials, being fuel-efficient and IMO Tier III ready.

Terex Port Solutions (TPS) is for the first time automating a straddle carrier fleet for Ports of Auckland Ltd. (POAL) from New Zealand. By mid-2019, TPS will supply a total of 27 new, fully automated N SC 644 E (1-over-3) machines to work in the container stackyard and to serve trucks. At the same time, 21 existing manual straddle carriers are being upgraded so that they can work hand in hand with the 27 fully automated machines. In addition to the supply and upgrade of the vehicles, the order also includes all sub-systems and software systems required for operation. Before POAL placed the order, TPS verified the feasibility and safety of the concept in a detailed study. 900,000 TEU to 1.6 to 1.7 million TEU.

Ports of Auckland Chief Executive Tony Gibson has announced a ‘solid’ half year result for the company, achieved despite a fall in volumes and revenue. The port produced an interim net profit of $31.6 million for the six months to December 31, a 9.5 per cent increase, despite falling revenue and container volumes. Revenue was down 2.2 per cent and container volumes fell 3.3 per cent. The port company declared an interim dividend of $25.9 million, up from $25.5 million a year earlier. "The first half of the year has been anything but plain sailing. Global trade trends and shipping changes have affected container volumes, while China’s slowdown has impacted bulk volumes, particularly iron sand exports," said Gibson.

Ports of Auckland, Napier Port and Icepak today announced the formation of a joint-venture to develop a new inland port and intermodal freight hub at Longburn, Palmerston North and to target Growth in Manawatu-Whanganui Region. Located on the site of the old Longburn freezing works owned by Icepak, the venture will see the nine hectare site transformed into a significant intermodal logistics and manufacturing hub. Site clearance is underway and work will start soon on a cross dock to complement the existing Icepak cold store on site. A container yard and container wash facility – to prepare containers to export ready standard – will also be built. This is the first stage of a $20 million development.