New website launched

The new-look site includes updated and expanded content as well as easy access to customer tools and systems, such as the VBS (Vehicle Booking System) and VENUS (Vehicle Entry User System), direct from the homepage. The ‘Shipping and cargo’ section contains shipping schedules and a growing library of operational procedures and policies, forms, manuals, and pricing and standard conditions information.

Further updates and improvements are planned in the coming months. We welcome your feedback to info@poal.co.nz.
 

New procedures for export containers

Ports of Auckland has announced new procedures for the shipment of export containers through the container terminals.

General Manager Sales Marketing and Logistics Craig Sain said the procedures have been created to promote better access to information about export containers.

“Key to our ability to plan ahead is access to information before containers are delivered to us. Better planning will assist in optimising operations at the terminals and will be of enormous benefit to all of our customers and the wider supply chain.”

The new procedures cover pre-advice, early and late delivery, and NZ Customs (CEDO) approvals. The procedures will be effective from 1 February 2009, with charges to apply from 1 April 2009 following a two month review and feedback from customers.

For more information, download the customer advisory from our website here or contact Craig Sain on 09 309 1263.

Collective employment agreement update

Ports of Auckland and the Maritime Union of New Zealand – Local 13 are continuing to negotiate over the settlement of their Collective Employment Agreement. Talks will continue in early January 2009.

Managing Director Jens Madsen said the Company remained committed to ongoing dialogue and to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement as soon as possible.

Port on board

Ports of Auckland is liaising closely with event organisers of the upcoming Louis Vuitton Pacific Series, to be held in the inner Auckland Harbour between late January and early February 2009.

General Manager Sales Marketing and Logistics Craig Sain reassured customers that the Port was planning ahead and was involved in constructive discussions with the race organisers.

“We are representing the interests of our customers in avoiding and mitigating any potential delays to commercial shipping, and are working to facilitate arrangements that will work for both our customers and the event.”

More information and updates will follow in early 2009.

Fire pack on show

Ports of Auckland has demonstrated how its improved fire-fighting capabilities could be of use to the New Zealand Fire Service in an emergency situation.

On Monday (15 December), four fire-fighting appliances and personnel from the Parnell, Ponsonby, Pitt Street and Balmoral stations gathered at Wynyard Wharf to put the Port’s new ‘Fire Pack’ unit through its paces.

The portable pump and water-cannon can propel 600,000 litres per hour of seawater up to 120 metres from the back deck of a tugboat.

The Ports of Auckland and Fire Service teams tested the Fire Pack’s capability to feed seawater to various appliances, including pumping seawater from the berth, through 200 metres of hose and up to the Parnell Station’s ladder truck nozzle.

Pitt Street Senior Station Officer Sulu Devoe said the Fire Pack unit could be useful in supplying the Fire Service in emergency situations.

“If the water mains in the central city were compromised, such as after an earthquake, or if additional bulk water is required for fire-fighting, the unit would be able to supply seawater from the waterfront to our appliance.”

Ports of Auckland General Manager Port Services Wayne Mills was pleased with the results of the test.

“The Fire Pack is a valuable addition to both Ports of Auckland and to the city and harbour. The Fire Pack will give us a real edge in the case of a fire on board a ship in port or out at sea, and we are pleased to be able to offer this capability to the Fire Service.”

Cruise ship season in full swing

The cruise season is in full swing with three ships berthing on consecutive days at Ports of Auckland this week. The Dawn Princess arrived on Sunday (14 December), followed by the Bremen Monday and the Pacific Sun on the Tuesday. The Volendam is in port today.

Managing Director Jens Madsen said the calls went very smoothly and his team was well prepared for the influx of visitors.

Ports of Auckland, New Zealand’s premiere exchange port for cruises, is expecting 70 cruise ships to visit in the 2008/09 season. Cruise ships expected in early 2009 include the Queen Mary 2, the largest ocean liner to visit New Zealand.

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Ports of Auckland wishes you, and your family, a happy and safe holiday season. eNews will be back in inboxes on January 9, 2009.