KEY POINTS:
The proposed waterfront stadium could force cargo ships to bypass Auckland, Shipping New Zealand warned yesterday.
Shipping NZ was against building the waterfront stadium in its proposed location because of the impact it would have on the operations of the port, spokesman Peter Trent said.
"There will be disruption from day one ... this will mean the ships and cargo will have to wait for a berth, which will cause delay and cost to the ship operator or the worst scenario is that some lines may have to consider whether they can afford that wait and go elsewhere."
Mr Trent said Ports of Auckland held a meeting last Monday for port users.
"One of the questions put forward was whether we could be accommodated elsewhere in time, and the answer was 'no'."
"Anything which impacts on cargo moving through the port ultimately impacts on the value of business going through the port.
"The majority of people don't understand the value of the port because it's not in their daily lives ... and that's quite normal.
"The port is important to the region and the city. There's always a way to find a balance between commercial and recreation."
Last month, Ports of Auckland and Port of Tauranga announced they were in merger talks to form a single superport.
Ports of Auckland did not return calls last night. The Herald also attempted, unsuccessfully, to contact cruise company P&O.
Mr Trent said the Government's lack of consultation with Shipping NZ was of great concern.
"Is this really open government?"
He couldn't comment on the cost of predicted delays.
"That would depend on the operator of the vessel and the cargo they carry and what the delays would be."
He said if cargo destined for Auckland had to go to Tauranga, the cargo would have to be moved by rail or road back to Auckland, adding pressure to those infrastructures.
