PORT Nelson’s logistics division QuayConnect has started building an inland port on the South Island of New Zealand.
The Marlborough Inland Port aims to support logistics for the region’s importers and exporters.
Construction commenced with a pre-dawn blessing attended by Māori representatives and stakeholders including Port Nelson, WineWorks Marlborough, Central Express, Tuatara Structures, and developer Atacama.
QuayConnect general manager Jaron McLeod said the project has the potential to enhance efficiencies and responsiveness for Marlborough’s importers and exporters. The region is famous for its wine exports.
“In the last 12 months, we’ve facilitated the movement of 77% of New Zealand’s wine exports through Port Nelson,” Mr McLeod said.
“With volumes set to increase, this facility is a critical step forward, offering container and product storage and warehousing right at Marlborough’s doorstep.”
Marlborough Inland Port has been designed to include storage for empty and full containers, tanker and tank container (ISO) wash facilities and repair services.
Central Express Limited, a transport partner for QuayConnect and the wider Marlborough wine industry, will be a tenant on the Inland Port facility.
CEL managing director Jason Millar said the project would provide connectivity and resilience to supply chains.
“The Marlborough Inland Port is an exciting opportunity, which gives confidence to exporters in the top of the south,” he said.
“The Inland Port is another example of QuayConnect, CEL’s, and WineWorks’ collaboration with this important industry to provide solutions and confidence,” said Millar.
The initial phase of the Marlborough Inland Port encompasses a 1.4-hectare site, with an additional 2.6 hectares reserved for future development.
The facility would include 5000 square metres of warehousing for storage and packing and a dedicated area for container operations and storage.
Port Nelson expects the facility to be completed at the end of 2024.
