TAURANGA has hit its straps in the first quarter of the 2026 financial year, reporting 5.9% cargo volume growth year-on-year and a 9% boost to container volumes.
In the three months to 30 September Port of Tauranga Limited saw total volume hit 6.6 million tonnes, while box traffic lifted to 319,649 TEU.
Port of Tauranga chief executive Leonard Sampson, told the company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders today [31 October] that the first quarter’s strong performance was underpinned by increased bulk imports and containerised export transhipment.
“It is pleasing to see increased cargo volumes despite the berth capacity constraints we are currently seeing at the container terminal. We continue to focus on productivity gains to ensure we are offering the best possible service at New Zealand’s busiest port,” he said.
Based on the first quarter results, and notwithstanding any significant changes to market conditions, PoT expects full year underlying Net Profit After Tax to be in the range of NZ$137 million to $147 million.
Mr Samspon told the meeting Tauranga had also ordered its first hybrid tug — details to be released next week — to replace Sir Robert. The new tug, expected to be delivered in 2027, will be larger at 32 metres in length and will provide greater towage capacity for larger vessels.
“Later this year, we will also commence the second stage of our already consented capital dredging project. This will deepen the main channel to 16 metres below chart datum,” he said. “This will allow the larger container vessels already calling to transit at both low and high tide, as well as provide the ability to cater for the next generation of container vessels expected in the future.”