A change is in store for New Zealand's $95 billion international trade sector after freight gateway Port of Tauranga and freight and logistics management company Kotahi struck a strategic 10-year freight alliance.
That, along with a separate long-term agreement between Kotahi and Maersk Line, the world's largest container shipping company, would deliver a 'step-change' for the sector, today's announcement said.
Port of Tauranga chief executive Mark Cairns said the agreement with Kotahi would immediately add more value for Port of Tauranga and would transform the New Zealand supply chain.
"The cargo commitments give Port of Tauranga the certainty to proceed with the infrastructure to accommodate the 6,500 TEU ships. This will in turn spur the development of New Zealand's coastal shipping industry as freight consolidates on Port of Tauranga as a hub port for the country," he said.
"The agreement recognises Port of Tauranga's long-term investment programme in freight marshalling facilities across the country including: MetroPort in Auckland and more recently PrimePort Timaru and our new freight hub in Rolleston, Christchurch.