Calls tomove port to Napier

Wellington should move its container port to Napier and focus on logging and fuel, according to a new proposal by Napier Port.

Napier Port chief executive Todd Dawson is pushing for CentrePort to transfer its cargo operations to Napier, rather than redevelop the earthquakedamaged operations centre.

But CentrePort and its owner, the Greater Wellington Regional Council, insist they see a future for a full-service port in the capital city.

CentrePort received a $667 million insurance payout for damage caused by the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, and has announced plans to spend $38m repairing the Thorndon container wharf.

The repairs would double the operational length of the wharf from 125 metres to 250 metres.

But Napier Port has splashed cold water on the plan, arguing it is short-sighted and a waste of money.

‘‘If you’ve got this money, invest it wisely. Don’t invest in things with no economic or commercial case,’’ Dawson said.

He argued Napier had the ability to handle three to four times more cargo and the lower North Island would be better serviced by prioritising rail links between the centres.

Moving cargo operations north would obviously benefit Napier Port.

Dawson claimed it would also be more efficient from a national perspective and would allow CentrePort to focus on more

‘‘If you’ve got this money, invest it wisely. Don’t invest in things with no economic or commercial case.’’ Todd Dawson

Napier Port chief executive

profitable operations, such as logging, fuel shipping, and tourism.

‘‘Why would you spend ratepayer money when it’s not required? It’s a waste of investment and infrastructure,’’ he said.

CentrePort chairman Lachie Johnstone dismissed the idea as a competitor trying to take more market share.

‘‘I wouldn’t want to second-guess motive but it would appear that way,’’ he said. ‘‘It would cost shippers much, much more to operate from Napier.’’

In the aftermath of the Kaikōura quake, some shippers were forced to pay as much as 800 per cent more to redirect cargo through other ports, he said.

Dawson claimed Wellington’s location and shallow harbour made it inconvenient for international shipping lines, something Johnstone disputed.

‘‘Our depth is adequate; there are very few limitations. The deviation in ships calling is not material,’’ he said.

CentrePort is a private company owned by the Greater Wellington and Horizons regional councils.

Greater Wellington Regional Council chairman Daran Ponter said he would consider Dawson’s submissions but the council was committed to a fullservice port.

‘‘CentrePort is still in recovery mode – we’ve just got it all up and running,’’ he said.

‘‘After the earthquake, every little port in New Zealand was in on Wellington’s business. They would have stripped us bare.’’

CentrePort estimated its container operation would support 27,000 jobs in the region by 2022.