Port of Tauranga reports decline in first-quarter trade volumes

Port of Tauranga reported a 4.8% decrease in total cargo volumes for the first quarter ending September 30, handling 6.25 million tonnes compared to the same period last year. Container volumes also saw a 2.6% decline, totaling 311,000 TEU.

Chief Executive Leonard Sampson attributed the drop in forestry activity and log exports to high fuel prices. He noted that the container terminal is currently facing capacity constraints due to a lack of spare berth capacity. The company is looking toward the Stella Passage development to address these limitations, though the project is currently facing appeals and judicial review applications.

Despite the decline in trade volumes, the company confirmed its profit guidance, expecting an underlying group net profit after tax of between $160 million and $175 million for the year ending June 30, 2027.