Port ‘partnerships and innovation’ bring success

Its down to partnerships and innovation, claims the New Zealand's Lyttelton Port of Christchurch, which has delivered a strong performance for the 2008/2009 financial year. Normalised profits for the year came to $10.6m (US$7.7m), up 2.9% on last year’s figure of $10.3m.

 
Lyttleton Port, NZ, is showing good results. Photo: Phillip Copper Rodger Fisher, chairman of the board, told the port's recent annual meeting that despite the challenging domestic and international economic conditions these strategies, along with an emphasis on a good mix of shipping services, has paid dividends.

Mr Fisher singled out a recent agreement with a dairy producer to transport, via rail, its bulk products through the container terminal, supported by the development of a depot site and rail shuttle system, which has improved transport and storage options. “It is very pleasing to see this win-win logistical solution come to fruition, with the potential for additional volume to be gained in the future,” he said.

He continued: “The highlight is that our berth productivity moved up to 48.8 teu per hour this year. When compared to the level of 31.6 teu per hour recorded in 2005, this represents a gain in excess of 50% in five years.

 

Source: Port Strategy