Port heading for a new high in export tonnage

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

ANOTHER 251,000 tonnes of export cargo was added to Eastland Port’s tally for the financial year last month and with a month to go, the port remains on track to set a new annual export record.

February was described as a “good solid month”, with 11 log ships and two freighters calling for cargo.

The loggers took 246,581 tonnes and the freighters loaded 4681 tonnes of squash.

“We are on track to exceed last year’s record export tonnage of 2.5 million tonnes by the end of our financial year at the end of this month,” said port general manager Andrew Gaddum.

“What a difference a decade makes. We export the same amount of wood in a day and a half now, as was exported in a month 10 years ago.

“Last month I saw an old report from January 2006. Back then the port was visited by two log vessels, four squash ships and one ship picking up plywood.

“The log volume that month was 13,000 tonnes — which is what ISO and C3 staff now shift in a day and a half.

“Given the significant increase in log export volumes over the past decade, we’re excited about investing in the port’s infrastructure,” Mr Gaddum said.

Eastland Port has plans under way to develop its wharves so it can park two 200m-long ships in the port at the same time.

“By ensuring our link in the logistics chain is fit for purpose, we can help ensure the forestry industry remains viable and profitable for the region.”

In order to progress the twin berth development, the port has submitted initial consent applications to Gisborne District Council to rebuild wharves 6 and 7, and reshape the slipway.