Napier Port hits log export record of 2 million tonnes

The wall of wood at Napier Port. Photo / Paul Taylor

Napier Port says the 2 million tonnes of logs exported over a 12-month period marks a record haul for the port and it expects even more records to tumble in coming years.

Napier Port commercial manager Andrew Locke confirmed to Hawke's Bay Today that the port achieved 2 million tonnes of export logs for the first time in its history in the rolling 12 months to May 2018.

"Log export growth has exceeded expectations this year at Napier Port, with the log cut in the region being more aggressive than budgeted."

The port's previous log export tonnage record of 1.63 million tonnes was recorded in 2017.

Locke was quick to praise the important contribution made by marshalling and stevedoring companies, transport operators and Napier Port staff in handling those sorts of volumes, alongside the associated vessels calling into port 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

"Logs exported through Napier Port are budgeted to continue to grow and long-term planning is under way to accommodate up to 3 million tonnes of logs through Napier Port in six to eight years' time.

"The growth ahead of the port is both exciting and challenging. However, this strong growth does impact on the region's road and rail infrastructure needs, drives more trucks through the critical Ahuriri access corridor and creates congestion at our already busy wharves.

"Planning for how we manage growth is a top priority for the port management, who are faced with the ever increasing urgency for an additional wharf and working together with regional agencies such as NZTA, Napier City Council, Hawke's Bay Regional Council and KiwiRail to ensure cargo can get to Napier Port efficiently and safely."

Over the 2017 financial year the port invested in an additional 70 bookends to allow logs to be stacked higher, expanded dedicated log storage areas on the port to deal with increasing log volumes.