Eastland Port’s strong end to 2025, great start to 2026

Cruise ship Norwegian Spirit got the calendar year off to a strong start on January 1 when 1900 passengers came ashore for the day in Gisborne. Photo / Murray Robertson

The December momentum of log exports and cruise ship passengers has continued into January in what Eastland Port is predicting will be “a great start to the year”.

Nine ships loaded about 230,000 tonnes of logs while two cruise ships brought 2500 passengers into the region last month.

“Settled weather conditions throughout the month played a key role in enabling smooth operations across the port, and ensuring reliable vessel schedules,” a port spokeswoman said.

“That momentum has continued into January, which is tracking in line with previous years.”

The port expects seven log ship visits this month and forecasts 190,000 tonnes of logs to be exported.

“Cruise activity has also remained strong with two cruise ships already visiting in January, bringing approximately 2700 passengers to the region,” the spokeswoman said.

“Another two cruise ships have been scheduled later in the month, expected to deliver another 2700 passengers. That will take the total to around 5400 cruise visitors for January.

“With weather conditions continuing to remain settled, the outlook for the remainder of the month is positive, which will be a great start to the year.”

A strong end to 2025 and settled summer weather supported steady port and cruise activity, she said.

“That has delivered both export momentum and a welcome boost for the local economy.”