The Port of Tauranga is on track to becoming the first port in the country to transport more than one million containers across it wharves in a single year.

Financial results for the six months to December 31, 2016, show container volumes increasing by eight per cent, to 510,074 TEUs.

Revenue during the period rose 2.8 per cent to $125.3 million, with net profit rising 8.5 per cent to $41.9 million.

Imports increased seven per cent in volume, while exports increased by 21 per cent as log volumes recover.

The interim dividend was five cents per share – up 8.7 per cent on the prior year's figure.

Port of Tauranga chairman David Pilkington says the results show the Port is continuing to reinforce its position as the country's premier freight gateway.

'Exporters, importers and the shipping lines are increasingly recognising the benefits of our deep water port and our efficient freight handling and stevedoring operations.

'In the 2017 financial year, we expect to become the first New Zealand port to handle more than one million containers in a 12 month period. This achievement is the direct result of our now-completed five year $350 million infrastructure investment programme, which has extended the Port's freight hinterland across the country, prepared the port for large ships and provided importers and exporters with highly-efficient routes to the country's most important markets.

Port of Tauranga chief executive Mark Cairns says they are consolidating their position as the port of choice for international shipping lines.

'Following the completion of our harbour dredging programme in September 2016, Maersk introduced a large vessel service, with Tauranga as its only New Zealand call. The 9,500 TEU Aotea Maersk has been a regular visitor since October,” he says.

'Meanwhile, Hamburg Sud last month announced it will introduce in March a big ship, peak season weekly service, with Tauranga as its only New Zealand call. The largest cruise ship ever to visit the Bay of Plenty - the 4700 passenger, 1600 crew Ovation of the Seas - also made its maiden voyage to Tauranga on Boxing Day and has made a couple of further calls since.

'It's pleasing to see shipping lines take advantage of the possibilities created by the harbour dredging programme to bring in larger vessels. The economies of scale that come with larger ships drive transport efficiencies and ensure New Zealand exporters retain direct routes to international markets.”