Ports of Auckland branches out

Ports of Auckland branches out

Wiri packs first shipment of logs in containers

The first shipment of logs in containers packed at Ports of Auckland’s inland port at Wiri, South Auckland, is bound for Asia tomorrow morning.

General Manager Sales, Marketing and Logistics, Craig Sain, says a number of local exporters have shown strong interest in the service.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer a service that means logs will no longer have to travel out of the Auckland region to be exported,” Mr Sain says.

“There are attractive cost efficiencies in packing in Auckland and using shipping containers that are readily available within the Auckland market.”

Mr Sain says the shift towards exporting logs in containers has been driven in part by cargo owners in Asia and India seeking consistent, low volume shipments. High charter rates for bulk vessels have also been a factor, although they have dropped in recent times.

The move will also help balance the flow of import and export containers through the Port of Auckland

“This has positive cost and environmental implications,” Mr Sain says.

The logs have been sourced from forests in the Auckland region.

ENDS

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