KEY POINTS:
The Port of Napier today announced a rise in profit and new investment plans for facilities for container vessels.
The port's 2006 profit increased to $6.82 million from $5.94 million last year.
Chairman Jim Scotland said record throughput of 142,779 standard-sized containers helped increase revenue from $37.3m to $39.6m.
The volume of containers was up 8.7 per cent, outpacing 3 per cent growth nationally.
The mix of shipping was shifting towards larger vessels with shipping line Maersk bringing its Albatross Class vessels, the largest container ships that call in New Zealand, to the port weekly.
Total exports matched last year's tonnage despite a challenging exchange rate that constrained results in the first half of the financial year.
There was also a 27 per cent increase in log volume through the port as the forestry sector started to recover.
In bulk cargo, total tonnage handled during the year reduced by 9 per cent, or 279,000 tonne s.
A total of 24 cruise vessels called at Napier in the 2005/2006 season, an increase of 10 on the previous year and a record 26 calls are forecast this summer.
The port is optimistic about its future after having performed well in a year when it came under intense scrutiny from international container lines.
"Napier is well placed to serve the needs of its shareholders, customers and regional shippers but it must remain internationally competitive," Mr Scotland said.
The port announced plans to develop a new inner harbour multi-purpose berth in two stages, the first of which is expected to begin next year.
In stage one, the berth will replace existing finger piers, enabling two container vessels to be serviced simultaneously.
Stage two involves a more extensive berth development on the western side of the port but the berth and associated reclamation will be on a more limited scale than previously proposed.
The port will seek a resource consent for the second stage next year but keep the project under review.
- NZPA
