Ports of Auckland has recently purchased 10 new diesel-electric straddle carriers, taking its straddle fleet to 44.

Ports of Auckland last week announced an interim net profit after tax of NZD12.6 million, up 19% for the half year to December 2007 (December 2006: NZD10.6 million).

Total container volumes for the six-month period were 427,867 TEU, up 20%, with full import and full export container volumes up 9% and 7%, respectively. There was significant growth in trans-shipment volumes as more cargo was hubbed over the Port of Auckland.

Ports of Auckland continued a programme of investment in capacity and capability measures during the six month period.

Recent infrastructure projects completed include the final phase of Stage One (5.8 of the planned 9.4 hectares) of the Axis Fergusson container terminal extension and the related commercial shipping lane deepening. The shipping lane was officially opened in the early part of the financial year and the Fergusson extension is providing an increased capacity of well in excess of 100,000 TEU per annum.

The company also invested in 10 new diesel-electric straddle carriers for the container terminal operations, taking its straddle fleet to 44, with 35 being new diesel-electric "eco" straddles (Forkliftaction.com News #350).

Future capacity and capability options are also being investigated. Options include higher container terminal stacking operations, similar measures to increase capacity for breakbulk cargo, a rail connection between the seaport and Wiri Inland Port, further reclamations within the existing port and a new container ship berth on the northern end of the Fergusson container terminal.