Port moves closer to business

Exporters and importers in Manukau can have their container shipments processed at Ports of Auckland’s Wiri Inland Port from next January.

Construction of the rail exchange is closer to completion with two of the three rail siding tracks that will connect the inland port to the Waitemata seaport in place, and work is well under way on the concrete hardstand.

Ports of Auckland managing director Jens Madsen says the first train is expected to arrive early in the New Year.

"This is about bringing the seaport right to the doorstep of businesses in south Auckland.

"Exporters and importers will be able to drop off and pick up containers without having to negotiate the Auckland motorways."

Once fully operational, the inland port will save about 100,000 central city truck trips annually.

"By using the port as a storage centre and staging post, we’ll also free up room and create efficiencies at the Waitemata seaport.

"This is good news for the whole supply chain," Mr Madsen says.

Carbon emission modelling by Ports of Auckland shows potential savings for businesses.

Those who are within 8km of the inland port will be able to reduce their container transport carbon emission by up to 25 percent, Mr Madsen says.

The Wiri Inland Port is strategically located off Wiri Station Rd, close to Auckland International Airport and adjacent to State Highway 1 and SH20.

Brian Perry Civil and KiwiRail are undertaking the works, including the construction of the three rail sidings, involving about 2000 metres of additional rail track, and the hardstand.

Each of the three sidings is capable of taking 22 wagons. Together they will enable two trains to be worked simultaneously, with the third track available for repositioning locomotives.

The hardstand from which the containers will be loaded and unloaded is 50 percent complete.

When finished, it will be 450 metres long and cover nearly 11,000 square metres, slightly smaller than the Britomart Transport Centre station platform.

- © Fairfax NZ News