Port cuts costs as wharf traffic drops

The number of imported vehicles handled by Ports of Auckland in the three months to March has halved from a year ago.

The port's throughput is regarded as a leading indicator of economic activity.

The number of imported vehicles through the port fell 54.4 per cent to 19,651 units compared with the same quarter last year.

Ports of Auckland said it handled 193,882 standard-sized containers in the three months ended March 31, down 7.4 per cent from the same period last year.

It is the largest container port in the country.

Total ship calls numbered 406, down from 438.

On the plus side the port said it had experienced a 5 per cent year-on-year increase in full export containers.

The port did not refer to any particular customers but it is believed to be handling more freight for Fonterra as a result in changes to shipping services in recent years.

The number of international cruise ship calls were little changed at 43 calls for the quarter, compared with 44 last year. The port is cutting costs and said it was gearing itself to make further changes.

- NZPA