PORTS OF AUCKLAND UPDATE
(30/03/21)
INDUSTRIAL ACTION AT PORTS OF AUCKLAND
With the continuing disruption caused by the industrial action at the Ports of Auckland, the last few months have been a challenging time for many of us.
With the Port of Auckland only running at 40%, many ships are being turned to Tauranga and Wellington, both of which are experiencing significant delays due to the sudden increase in container volumes. Furthermore, the railway system and trucking companies are also struggling to cope with the large number of shipments which require transport both to and from the ports.
All possible care is being taken to minimise the widespread disruption, not only by us, but also the railway and shipping companies. We would like to remind you that, whether you import or export, please be prepared for delays and remember we are trying to do everything in our power to reduce the effects this will have on your consignments. Currently the port of Tauranga and Wellington estimate a delay of up to 9 days in getting these containers up to Auckland, with no sign of easing.
The shipping lines have instituted general surcharges on all imports to and exports from New Zealand to help cover some of the extra costs involved with the handling of goods related to the strike action and these will be passed on at cost. Congestion at both Auckland and Metro Port is also causing substantial delays and trucking companies will be charging for waiting time when required. Again, their charges will be passed on at cost
We will strive to keep you up to date, but should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at
customerservice@malcolm.co.nz
Rena
The Rena's containers are still being unloaded from the ship. Before the Rena split 397 containers had been removed from the ship. About 500 containers are unaccounted for, salvage experts say they are unsure of how many containers are still on the vessel as it is too hazardous to dive in parts of the bow and stern.
Oil clean up has been on going, and a three nautical mile exclusion zone has stayed in place around the Astrolabe Reef.
