KEY POINTS:
Ports of Auckland had a 7 per cent increase in container terminal growth in the past six months.
The company had an 18-month high in September, with 130 ship calls and 55,722 containers moved.
"The trend to hubbing is also intensifying, with transshipment volumes at the Ports this quarter up 24 per cent on the same period last year," said managing director Jens Madsen.
A new vehicle booking system was helping improve service to trucking companies and shipping lines despite peaks in demand.
The Ports handled 18 per cent more trucks in September than in 2007.
Mr Madsen said the company was working to improve the booking system's reliability and implementing a range of initiatives to optimise staffing to cater for peak periods.
He was cautious about prospects for the December quarter.
"The shipping market continues to experience significant volatility amid the global economic downturn.
"We anticipate similar volumes for the October to December period as were seen in 2007," he said.
- NZPA
