Import Updates:
- The rail service from the Port of Tauranga to Metroport was interrupted during the Easter break to allow Kiwirail to carry out some important maintenance work. April has seen low overall container volumes so the backlog should be cleared within a week.
- Gaps in the Ports of Auckland berth window have enabled Fergusson Terminal to accommodate empty container evacuations. This has gone some way to relieving overcapacity pressure on empty container depots so VBS slots for the release and receipt of empty containers are becoming more readily available.
Export Updates:
- Changes to the Pacifica coastal service mean that there is no longer a direct service between Lyttelton and Tauranga. Export cargo that would have gone on this service will now be routed to Auckland, and then railed to Tauranga. Unfortunately, this will add seven days to the transit time.
- There are move count restrictions in both Lyttelton and Tauranga that are affecting the carrier’s ability to load export containers. As a result, some bookings are being declined due to these limitations. This could potentially cause delays or difficulties for exporters trying to ship their goods out of these ports.