Port of Tauranga Ready for Big Ships

Maersk Line and Kotahi are set to welcome the largest container ship to ever visit New Zealand waters calling at Port of Tauranga at the start of the peak export season.

According to Kotahi Chief Executive David Ross, the new era of big ship visits to New Zealand has been made possible through Kotahi’s collaboration with exporters, Maersk Line and Port of Tauranga.

“This new generation 9,500 TEU vessel is more fuel efficient on a per-container basis and will reduce the carbon footprint of the ocean freight component of New Zealand exports by a minimum of 22% per container unit, compared to the existing New Zealand industry average,” said Maersk Line Oceania Managing Director Gerard Morrison.

Port of Tauranga Chief Executive Mark Cairns welcomes the changes,. “The final stage dredging work will be completed in August as part of a $350 million capital investment program to develop the infrastructure to become a port capable of handling larger ships.”

“We are pleased to see that our upgraded infrastructure will be utilized so promptly. This gives us the opportunity to continue providing our customers with premium ocean freight solutions from a range of carriers. We’re proud to be part of an innovative collaboration keeping New Zealand businesses competitive on the world stage,” added Mark Cairns.

The shipping channel inside the harbor has been deepened to 14.5m from 12.9m and the channel outside the harbor will be 15.8m deep.