WELLINGTON’s CentrePort Limited ended the first half of the 2026 financial year positively with an unaudited underlying profit of NZ$8.7 million, $0.5m ahead of last year.
Net revenue was also marginally ahead of budget driven by increased trade volumes for containers, logs and bulk fuel.
This initial result, which sees the port broadly on target to meet its end-of-year forecast, is a sign of the continued growth of the port, which has secured three new container shipping services and, as of mid-February, has become a key hub for Mediterranean Shipping Company, CentrePort said.
Board chair, Lachie Johnstone, said that while the first half was positive “the port is conscious there is no room for complacency if it wants to continue the growth trajectory ahead of the plan we have set.
“The interim result is pleasing, a clear indicator that the port’s continued focus on efficiency, safety, asset utilisation and having a strong customer focus is paying off. But we’re clear that the port’s approach needs to be consistent for all our customers if it is to grow and achieve long-term success. None of this is guaranteed if we take anything for granted,” Mr Johnstone said.
CentrePort chief executive Anthony Delaney agreed, saying consistency and reliability is what the port needs, what Wellington needs and what NewZealand’s freight and supply chain needs.
“We need to keep focusing on what we can control — which is finding solutions to our customers' problems, meeting demand, minimising waste and maintaining strong operational efficiency. By doing this, we offer strong options in what remains a very dynamic sector.”
Alongside bedding in new container services and supporting existing customers, the port is progressing its energy transition with a new solar array to be installed on Kings Wharf and Battery Energy Storage System up and running this year.
Following the start of site preparation work in late 2025, the port is rapidly progressing design and material procurement and expect to begin major construction on the marine infrastructure needed for the Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme.
Mr Delaney said the port continues to effectively maximise its capacity and growing business’ demands, meaning new jobs for more than 30 people to date.
“We are extremely proud of this in the current market environment and what our people have delivered to enable economic growth. The calibre of the people we have attracted is a result of our hard work and effort and shows we’re on the right path.”