Managing director Jens Madsen says the planned changes will streamline port operations.

Ports of Auckland has announced it will proceed with a major reorganisation of its container terminals.

From July, the port will berth the majority of visiting container ships at its newly expanded Fergusson terminal, where all stevedoring staff will be based.

Managing director Jens Madsen says the planned changes will streamline port operations.

He adds that the changes will remove unnecessary duplication of overheads and infrastructure and further improve the port's ability to resource customer demand at peak periods.

"Under this new operating model, we will be a leaner company, better positioned to capture sustainable growth once the recession is over."

"The recent expansion of our Fergusson terminal has given us an extra 6.4 ha of space and the ability to reconfigure and expand our truck processing grid."

The reorganisation will mean an overall reduction in staff numbers to 28, down from the 30 originally proposed.

The next step is a six-week consultation period with staff and unions to discuss the impending redundancy situation, including how mechanisms for voluntary severance, internal transfers, redeployment and retraining may be implemented.

Madsen says Bledisloe terminal will continue to be used intensively for port operations, including containers, break-bulk and Customs activities.