Vehicle imports boost port
Port of Auckland Ltd (POAL) says the business is on track to meet its targets after releasing its results for the six months ending December 31.
The company’s strong revenue performance during the first half of 2025/26 was driven largely by increased volumes in the container terminal with an average of 16,800 TEU per week.
In addition, car-import volumes rebounded. They climbed by 22 per cent compared to the same period last year to 97,148 light vehicles.
The port’s performance was also supported by operating expense management with direct costs dropping by three per cent.
After delivering an improved half-year, POAL’s board has declared an interim dividend of $26 million to Auckland Council. Highlights during the period include:
• Underlying net profit after tax was $53.8m up by $11.8m and 28.1 per cent on the comparable prior period.
• Revenue came in at $204.3m, up $8.8m and by 4.5 per cent on the first half of 2024/25.
• Statutory net profit after tax was $59.6m, which included the sale of Nexus Logistics to Qube Holdings in December, and capital expenditure came in at $54.9m.
• Operations are on track with vehicle dwell times of 1.5 days and container dwell times of 1.9 days. Half-year throughput was strong with close to 500,000 TEU, 1.7m tonnes of bulk and break-bulk, and 100,000 vehicles.
• An in-port niche area biofouling was approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries and launched to customers.
Roger Gray, chief executive, says: “I’m proud of the hard work and discipline our team has shown to safely deliver these results for the first six months of financial year 2026.
“The team is managing higher volumes for our customers safely, while keeping a tight rein on costs. There are clear signs of a strengthening economy, and we’re set to support this and deliver strong outcomes for the people of Auckland.
“Our safety metrics for the six months exceeded expectations. However, we’re conscious of the need to remain focused on critical risks and continual improvement.
“Beyond the commercial momentum, we’re getting on with our generational $200m-plus investment in infrastructure, the shipping channel and the space entrusted to us by ratepayers.
“Our fast-track consented new big ship wharf at Bledisloe North and the Auckland International Cruise Terminal are on track with completion set for early 2027.
“We’re also nearing completion of the reclamation at the container terminal, with the extension of Fergusson North Wharf set to commence once this is completed later this year. These upgrades will benefit shipping lines by creating more space for our team to work larger vessels.
“Our people are also the beneficiary of our infrastructure programme with our $22m investment in our head office and satellite facilities across the port.”
