Port Nelson deals with record cargo

Record volumes of cargo crossed the wharves at Port Nelson last month.

Chief executive Martin Byrne said 331,000 tonnes of cargo went through the port. This was the first time the port had handled more than 300,000 tonnes of cargo in a month.

The previous highest monthly total was 293,000.

Mr Byrne said March to May was the busiest time of year at the port because of pipfruit exports.

Log exports, fertiliser shipments and container movements had added to last month's activity.

"It meant a full callout of labour and pushed the port infrastructure to the absolute limit," he said.

On several days all the cargo berths at the port were full.

It was clear the port company needed to look at developing additional facilities to keep up with the region's growing economy.

It has proposed a major extension of Main Wharf South, near Wakefield Quay, but the plan has been criticised by nearby residents and others worried about noise and the visual impact.

- NZPA