Ports of Auckland managing director Jens Madsen.

Ports of Auckland is gearing up to take advantage of larger vessels arriving in New Zealand in the future.

The port has applied to deepen a ship berth at its Fergusson container terminal. The move follows the 2007 completion of a major project to deepen the Rangitoto shipping channel, enabling it to cater for larger container ships carrying up to 6,000 TEU.

Ports of Auckland managing director Jens Madsen says: "One effect of the global recession may be that, as shipping lines consolidate their operations, larger vessels arrive in New Zealand sooner than anticipated."

He says a resource consent application is being prepared now so the port can move quickly to construct the berth when required.