CENTREPORT Wellington has reported an underlying net profit after tax of NZ11.9 million for the year ended 30 June 3023, up 48% from NZ$8 million the prior year.
The North Island port handled 95,753 TEU in the 12-month period, up 5861 TEU or 7% on figures posted in the previous year.
Harbour movements were up 10.9% to 3472 movements and the gross crane rate increased 4.79% to 28.61 move per hour.
CentrePort chief executive Anthony Delaney said the results were a testament to the port’s work to increase efficiency and capacity.
“Our team of over 200 have worked hard to maintain relationships with our customers and look for long-term solutions that support them,” he said.
“This is something that continues to be recognised in the feedback we receive.”
The port said it also ranked as the most efficient container port in New Zealand and Australia for the World Bank CPPI index for the second consecutive year.
“The good news is that we have room to spare to do more with shippers and shipping lines that can only benefit New Zealand in the long run,” Mr Delaney said.
He said CentrePort hopes to assist shipping lines through work to lower emissions.
“We are moving ahead with plans to build energy resilience and electrify our contribution to New Zealand’s supply chain.
“We’ve already achieved well over 30% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions from our 2019 baseline and see ourselves well on track to reach Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.”
Mr Delaney expects the establishment of a MicroGrid and shore power at the port to reduce its operational reliance on non-renewable energy and help ships plug in and switch off their engines to reduce emissions while at port. Solar panel arrays are also due to arrive at the port by mid-2024.
He said another highlight from the year ended 30 June was a focus on the health and safety of port workers.
“I’m pleased that our continued approach to safety culture and practice has resulted in positive comments from both Maritime NZ and WorkSafe in relation to our operations they observed.”
Mr Delaney said there is a lot to celebrate but anticipates are external challenges ahead.
“We can’t ignore the somewhat negative economic outlook and continued market disruption on the horizon, which is agnostic of where you are in the country.
“However, I’m confident our business will continue to grow, offering solutions to current and future customers while also supporting the Wellington region and New Zealand as a critical element of the supply chain.”
