The Ports of Auckland wishes to share an update on the Fergusson Terminal operations for the period 1-8 November, and forecasted to 15 November 2019.
It has been a challenging week, a culmination of late arriving ships over several weeks - upwards of 80% late in one week - and lines having to cut export loads (laden and empties) to the weekend of the 2-3 November when most of the vessels were on window with large discharges. The wave of volume finally hit the terminal and from Sunday 3 November, we were tracking over 100% yard capacity utilisation.
As of today, the main terminal utilisation is around 75% but we are expecting the large discharge vessels arriving from today through to Monday. Rail volumes were negatively affected in the first half of the week due to excessive yard congestion throughout the terminal and rail exchange areas preventing us from moving containers in/out of the rail exchange to meet services.
Looking forward, it is expected to be busy but we are doing all we can to manage the flow as effectively as possible. Where possible, we are trying to maximise vessel exchanges to evacuate empties that are now building in external depots, as well as clearing the rolled containers in the yard so we can access the ongoing import demand.
We request that you refrain from sending your trucks in early for their bookings as it congests the truck grid and impacts traffic in and out of the Port, and also delays delivery of export cargo for the vessels.
We appreciate your continued support with the timely pre-clearances and the need to evacuate as many imports as possible from the Port. To ease congestion we do ask carriers to utilise 24/7 access to the port. Please contact Transport Coordinators if you require assistance with uplifting DG import containers or operating reefers that have no pending clearances.
Thank you for your ongoing co-operation.