Ports of Auckland works closely with the Auckland Council to identify and clean-up spills in the marine environment. You can notify the Auckland Council or our Harbour Control department if you notice an issue or incident of water pollution.
Auckland Council +64 9 301 0101
POAL Harbour Control +64 348 5200
Ports of Auckland is committed to operating sustainably and has a superb track record in environmental management.
We take pride in helping New Zealand businesses optimise environmental efficiency throughout the product life cycle, and in delivering world class environmental management.
Our annual Sustainability Review provides a public report on our performance against key indicators including electricity, diesel and water use, recycling, off-peak truck moves and the proportion of cargo carried by rail.
In 2009, Ports of Auckland was recognised by the Ministry for Environment with a prestigious Green Ribbon Award in the 'Business making a difference category' .
Ports of Auckland undertakes an annual inventory of its carbon emissions. The inventory was independently audited in 2007 and 2008 calendar years. This provided us with a framework to carry out our own measurements. and audits.
Ports of Auckland’s total emissions for 2009 were down 9.2% from 2007 to an estimated 22,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e, a composite measurement of the six gases listed in the Kyoto Protocol).
The majority of emissions are directly related to diesel and electricity use. Three of the largest energy users are our marine floating plant, such as tugs and pilot boats, our cargo-handling machines – cranes and straddle carriers – and refrigerated containers, many of which carry important New Zealand exports. However, continued efforts to reduce diesel and electricity use are paying off, with consistent improvement in key indicators.
Ports of Auckland’s hybrid straddle carriers use 90% less fuel than older diesel models.
Ongoing fuel efficiency is being provided by the Port's 35 hybrid diesel-electric straddle carriers – the most sophisticated in New Zealand. The new machines generate 90% fewer particle emissions, use 20% less fuel and make less noise than older diesel-only models.
A major lighting efficiency programme, which saw 1,300 floodlights replaced with 650 environmentally friendly, fully shielded lights, has reduced electricity use at the Port by 15%.
A real-time monitoring system helps to identify ongoing opportunities for improvement and waste reduction in electricity and fuel consumption.
Recent performance is detailed further in our Annual Review.
Ports of Auckland recycles paper, cans, plastic and glass, as well as other operational materials. In early 2009, 30,000m3 of dredged materials and 0.7 hectares of pavement was recycled in the Fergusson reclamation and other construction works. Our engineering division reuses or recycles oil, scrap steel and copper wire, and after introducing an efficiency project to extend tyre life by 25% to 50% have recently introduced "green tyres" to the Port. These are currently being tested on our reach stackers and hoists.
Ports of Auckland tracks the use of transport modes for moving cargo to and from the Auckland seaport. While cargo owners ultimately select the mode of transport for their goods, Ports of Auckland works to support the efficient use of road, rail and coastal shipping.
Currently 38% of all truck moves are after-hours, lessening the impact during peak commuter hours, and 13% of all moves are via rail, with trans-ships (ship to ship moves) making up the balance.
Ports of Auckland continues to invest in new ways to handle and move cargo, such as the development of the Wiri Freight Hub and rail link. We also collaborate with other industry leaders to help develop better, more integrated supply chain solutions.
Ports of Auckland works closely with the Auckland Council to identify and clean up occasional spills of diesel, bilge or other liquids from commercial shipping into the marine environment.