New Zealand ports operator Ports of Auckland said on Monday that it is looking at up to eight options to encourage shippers to send more export containers through its facilities, but had made no decision on whether to build an inland port in Hamilton. The company reportedly is considering building an inland container port beside the main trunk railway line in Hamilton. Ports of Auckland announced last month that it would operate its own rail network service between Palmerston North and Auckland, in conjunction with national rail operator Tranz Rail, from the second quarter of this year. A Ports of Auckland spokeswoman said that the company was examining opportunities that would see export containers gathered and sent to Auckland via domestic transport.