New Zealand Ports Operator Explores Further Networks

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.

"The Waikato is one of them, but we are looking at a number of options and we don't have any specific sites in the Waikato, and it's at a very early stage," she said.

"I think you could say that we're looking (at) probably even five to eight different options, some of them Waikato, some of them other locations," the spokeswoman said.

Ports of Auckland had held discussions with the Mayor of Hamilton some time ago, but they were of a very general nature, the spokeswoman said. Last week shipping line FESCO New Zealand Express Line said it would shift some its New Zealand business to Port of Tauranga from Ports of Auckland.