Bigger ships, bigger capacity and potentially $300 million savings for our exporters and importers.
And that delights the Minister for Economic development and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.
The Port of Tauranga has indicated it's on track to be the first in the country to handle more a million containers in a year.
That's because of the development of the Port's shipping channel, which enabled ships up to 8000 containers to service New Zealand – double previous capacities. And that's where those massive savings can be made.
'The efficiency gains of these larger ships is supporting future economic growth not only for Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty but for the broader New Zealand economy.”
Simon says each year the port moves more than 49 million tonnes of exports and imports, with a combined value of more than $75 billion.
'As an island nation, maritime is essential. Our primary industry export sector is worth around $37 billion, with export revenue reaching an estimated $36.7 billion in the year to June 2016.”
The primary sector is one of the most important drivers of New Zealand's economy and the greater Tauranga and Western Bay region.
Forestry, kiwifruit and dairy exports account for about 75 per cent of the Port of Tauranga's exports.
3 comments
hypocrites
Posted on 27-02-2017 07:51 | By Captain Sensible
As an island nation, maritime is essential..." yet the National government at the time killed the NZ shipping companies by advising foreign companies they were exempt from tax, GST, ACC levies, and could pay 3rd world salaries....the NZ shipping industry dies overnight. When NZ companies were around, we had competition yet recently there is moaning about trans-Tasman freight rates. It would be cheaper for us if we were allowed to elect a Filipino MP because they would be a lot cheaper than Kiwis....but the politicians prefer their jobs to be kept safe and secure....the exact opposite to what they do to Kiwi workers.
Maritime Freight Efficiency
Posted on 27-02-2017 14:40 | By Pamaxx
Responding to Captain Sensible's "poke" at Simon Bridge's compliment on PoT. From my recollection, the reason foreign shipping lines were allowed into NZ was because due to Maritime and Waterside Workers Unions who held the country to ransom for years with outrageous pay demands and "work to rule" attitudes. These two unions, along with the engineers union are why citizens still distrust the Labour Party with its strong union backing. I doubt anyone will forget those turbulent waterfront years. Max Lewis. Mt Maunganui
expected a level playing field
Posted on 27-02-2017 21:26 | By Captain Sensible
Yes, NZ seafarers were told they could not compete with cheaper crews who were not paid a decent wage, and their bosses were exempt from tax, ACC levies and GST. How irresponsible of the NZ crews to not accept 3rd world salaries.....which incidentally, the politicians of NZ don't accept either BTW.
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