Ports of Auckland loses Fonterra
Date: 4 Jan 2012
Ports of Auckland has suffered a further blow today with the news that Fonterra, the country's largest exporter, is set to withdraw its export shipments from Auckland amid ongoing strike action at the port.
The move comes one month after shipping giant Maersk announced it was switching its $20 million Southern Star container service from Auckland to Tauranga.
Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson said the move was unsurprising.
"With MUNZ threatening further strike action, it is inevitable that customers will look for alternatives and contingencies. Shippers need certainty and reliable service."
The move will take effect at the end of the month and will see weekly trade worth around $27m re-routed through the ports of Tauranga and Napier instead of Auckland.
Meanwhile, the port is beefing up resources to keep terminal operations open through the continued industrial action.
Further strike action is planned for a 48-hour period between January 9 and January 11.
More at NZ Herald.
