Star launches New Zealand cruise season

The cruise ship Star Princess launched New Zealand’s 2009/2010 cruise season when she called at Ports of Auckland early this morning (16 October).

The ship is the first of 25 ships to make 57 calls to Auckland during the full summer and winter cruise season, which runs through until August next year.

Managing Director Jens Madsen said that while the economic situation had impacted some international cruise operators, the New Zealand market had shown resilience.

“Bookings for the next 2010/2011 season are currently sitting at 69 calls,” said Mr Madsen.

Highlights of the 2009/10 season include the arrival of four maiden calling ships and calls by Cunard’s Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2. The Auckland port will also host three ships on one day, when the Europa, Clipper Odyssey and Dawn Princess call Auckland in early February.

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New Zealand cruise liner first announced for Auckland

Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key announced today that Auckland will host the launch of the Pacific Pearl cruise ship and be the ship's base during its 2010/11 season. It will be the first time P&O Cruises has launched a ship in New Zealand.

“This is a big vote of confidence in the growth of the New Zealand cruise ship market. It also shows that the Government’s commitment to build a cruise ship terminal at Queens Wharf is a worthy investment in the tourism industry,” says Mr Key.

“The cruise industry is of huge value to both national and regional tourism markets, with each visit contributing around $500,000 through port fees, stores and passenger spending.

“Having the Pacific Pearl based out of Auckland can only enhance an industry that is already worth $174 million annually.”

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Port reports on quarterly volumes

Container volumes at Ports of Auckland during the July-September quarter were 208,812 TEU (20-foot equivalent container units), up seven percent on the April-June period.

Managing Director Jens Madsen said that while some of the increase could be attributed to normal seasonal fluctuations, the overall trend was heartening.

"In particular, we are seeing a gradual increase in full import container volumes. This is a good sign as we head in to the traditional busy import season ahead of Christmas. We anticipate a similar trend with export volumes over the coming months,” said Mr Madsen.

Despite the positive signs, container volumes remain below 2008 levels with total TEU for the July-September quarter down five percent year-on-year. Trans-shipment volumes, where containers destined for on-shipping to other New Zealand ports are routed through Auckland, were up eight percent for the quarter compared to 2008.

Car volumes, as well as break-bulk (non-containerised) and bulk volumes, were up 14.8% and 9.0% respectively from the April-June 2009 quarter, but were down 29% and 33% compared to last year.

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Graduates a good way to go

Speaking to the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport this week, Managing Director Jens Madsen said the Port's Graduate Leadership Development Programme had been a very successful initiative, delivering real benefits to the Company.

"Our new recruits bring with them enthusiasm and new ideas, having just been trained in what is at the cutting edge and considered best practice in their chosen disciplines."

He said the Programme, aimed at developing the next generation of Port leaders, had also gone some way in addressing the wider industry's skills shortage.

"We know we need to attract new, young professionals to the industry. At Ports of Auckland, we also know that to achieve our Vision, we need good people and strong leaders in our organisation."

Mr Madsen's speech and presentation is available on the Ports of Auckland website.

Download the speech and presentation

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