Whanganui port used as rail alternative

The cargo ship Anatoki at Whanganui port. Owner Doug Smith says the port could be used as a rail alternative. Photograph by Stuart Munro

The Whanganui port is being used to unload grain after the recent earthquake left the southern rail network out of action.

The Anatoki berthed in Whanganui port yesterday and over the next 48 hours unloaded 700 tons of grain or 25 truck-and-trailers loads.

The grain come from Canterbury and will be used to feed livestock throughout the Manawatu region.

It would it usually get here by rail, but the recent earthquake left the Christchurch-Picton line out of action.

So instead, the grain was transported to Lyttleton and picked up by the Anatoki.
Anatoki part-owner Doug Smith says this drop off shows the potential of Whanganui port especially in emergency situations.

"What its done is create opportunity for us, and cause business' to rethink their supply chain."

"Small ports do have a part to play in transport infrastructure not just in cases like this, but in a day-to-day routines aswell."

He says the Anatoki in the past docked into Whanganui port about once every two months, but due to the earthquake that will increase to 4-5 times a month.
"There's no reason this can't continue. We've shown that we can do it. The facilities are here, and it certainly works for the people of Whanganui."

"I definitely think there's opportunity to expand services here."

"There is a draft constraint with the bar, but you can work around that with the appropriate vessels."

In August 2016, the Government announced they would provide $500,000 for Whanganui District Council to develop a blueprint to revitalise the Whanganui Marine Precinct.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce said he hoped the plan would create 135 new jobs in Whanganui.