With the COVID-19 situation escalating rapidly, I wanted to update you on the measures Nexus Logistics/Conlinxx Ltd is taking for our customers' continued supply chain.
As a subsidiary of one of Auckland’s lifeline utilities, the Ports of Auckland (POAL), we are acutely aware of our responsibility to ensure that our customers can continue to get key essentials through the ports. We’re also aware that many Auckland businesses rely on getting imports in or exports out via our ports to keep their businesses running. I want to reassure you that we are doing all we can to safeguard our ability to service you so we can continue to serve you.
Impact so far:
To date there has been no impact on our ability to operate. Container volumes were down 15% in February as a result of restrictions in China and we expect the same for March. April bookings look firmer now that China is starting to get back up and running, but volumes to other countries may be impacted. General cargo volumes have not changed much.
In our view, the impact of COVID-19 could last until September or longer.
Our actions to date:
We are doing everything we can to prevent our staff from getting sick. While almost all of our staff can work from home, clearly we can’t run an inland port without people on site. For that reason, preventing our staff from getting sick is crucial.
We have been working with Kiwirail to make sure our services continue from POAL to our inland port in Wiri, we also have a backup plan in place should this service be disrupted, which includes Conlinxx trucks moving containers by road if required.
The most recent restrictions from Government are helpful and should definitely help slow down any spread of COVID-19 into our communities.
We are preparing to put in place emergency measures and have purchased more laptops to ensure we can operate from home should we need to, which will allow us to continue to service your business.
We have also:
- Brought forward the provision of flu vaccinations
- Provided clear advice to staff on how to avoid infection
- Required staff returning from international travel to stay home for 14 days
- Banned international business travel
- Cancelled non-essential meetings and face-to-face meetings with our clients
- Provided additional leave to ensure sick staff stay home
- Provided Employee Assistance Programme support for staff
What you can do:
We need your help to keep the supply chain moving. Ensure your staff know how to protect themselves from infection. If any of your staff are sick or have travelled in the past 14 days, please ensure they do not come into Nexus or our inland port to collect any containers. These simple steps will help us help you.
I hope this update is useful. I will provide further updates as the situation changes.
Mike Lightfoot
Chief Executive Officer