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    • SOLID RESULT AS CENTREPORT SETS FOR GROWTH
      • CentrePort has achieved a solid result for FY22 while delivering on strategic objectives increasing resilience and adding new capacity to benefit the New Zealand logistics supply chain. Financial result CentrePort recorded an underlying net profit after tax (NPAT[1]) which exclude Kaikōura earthquake-related items, changes in fair value, abnormal items and the tax impacts of these items – of $8.0m compared to $7.2m in FY21.  Revenue was $84.2m compared to $80.2m the previous year.  The increased revenue and good cost management resulted in a 20.7 percent increase in net cash flows from operating activities. A dividend of $6m (FY21: $5m excluding a special dividend of $15m) was paid to shareholders Greater Wellington Regional Council and Horizons Regional Council[2]. Health and safety Chair Lachie Johnstone and Chief Executive Anthony Delaney said the health and safety of CentrePort’s people, and those they work with and use the port facilities, is integral to the port’s operations. “Employee engagement and empowerment has resulted in continuous improvement in our health and safety culture over a period of years.   “In May CentrePort welcomed the joint Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) assessment by Maritime New Zealand and WorkSafe and supports the Tripartite Ports H&S Leadership Group, including the development of a Code of Practice.  “Overall, CentrePort performed well in the assessment, with documented procedures consistent with practice and vice versa.  This reflects CentrePort’s philosophy of engaging with our workers and giving them full support to stop work if it looks or feels unsafe, or for them to stop others.  Our people are empowered to develop and review the way we operate including investment into our critical risk,” they said. Summary Financial Statement [1] Underlying net profit after tax is an alternative non-NZ GAAP measure that comprises reported net profit after tax adjusted for certain non-recurring and unrealised fair value revaluation items to provide consistency and comparability of the financial information over the periods presented.  Please refer to page 4 of the Summary Financial Statements. [2] CentrePort pays dividends via holding companies of Greater Wellington Regional Council and Horizons Regional Council – WRC Holdings Limited and MWRC Holdings Limited respectively.

    • NEW PORT PARTNERSHIP BOOST FOR MARLBOROUGH EXPORTERS
      • Port Marlborough and CentrePort have joined forces to provide an end-to-end logistics supply chain connecting Marlborough exporters directly to the world. The ports have entered into a formal agreement which creates a new, reliable, resilient, and lower carbon freight link between exporters in Marlborough and international markets.  The initiative provides a cargo hub and freight movement via road/rail to coastal and international shipping. An inland cargo hub will be established at the Riverlands site near Blenheim, 34km to Picton via State Highway 1.  The hub, to be developed over the next 18-24 months for cargo aggregation, links to Port Marlborough by State Highway 1 and rail.  Port Marlborough CEO Rhys Welbourn says there will be major benefits for Marlborough exporters and importers, and the region’s community and economy. “We have collectively been working with shippers who want a reliable, resilient, and competitive supply chain which is what this partnership will deliver.  “It creates improved access and options for shippers for an end-to-end export service with the cargo aggregation hub at Riverlands connecting them to coastal and international shipping at competitive rates.  That will help local businesses grow, benefitting the region’s and New Zealand’s economy, “Mr Welbourn said. CentrePort CEO Anthony Delaney says the partnership has significant environmental and resilience benefits as well. “The proximity of the Riverlands hub to exporters and the direct link via State Highway 1 with the potential for a rail connection, will provide a lower carbon option compared to other supply chain routes.   “CentrePort’s supply chain infrastructure already includes a range of carbon reduction initiatives including fully electric container movement vehicles on port.    Hydrogen is part of future plans.  We have invested in infrastructure resilience and capacity enhancement which can also benefit shippers in the upper South Island, “Mr Delaney said. Mr Welbourn and Mr Delaney said the partnership had wider benefits for the New Zealand logistics supply chain.  “It will help increase efficiency by enabling empty containers to be efficiently distributed to key exporter locations.  It also supports coastal shipping which the Government identifies as important for strengthening and diversifying the supply chain,” they said. Marlborough District Council Mayor John Leggett has welcomed the announcement.  “This is a fantastic new development for Marlborough that will streamline our export supply chain. Marlborough accounts for 86% of New Zealand’s wine exports and also exports large volumes of high quality food produce,” say Mr Leggett. Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) Chair Daran Ponter says the partnership is a boost for the central New Zealand economy. “This initiative enhances resilience and certainty for exporters which is welcome in these challenging times, and will also grow cargo throughput for the ports, including CentrePort of which GWRC is majority shareholder,” Mr Ponter said. Wine Marlborough General Manager Marcus Pickens is also supportive. “This new partnership between Port Marlborough and CentrePort will build on logistics infrastructure in place at Riverlands and will be welcomed and utilised by the regions wine producers. Alongside this, the commercial and environmental benefits from increased two-way freight services are very important to our industry,” Mr Pickens said. The joint partnership facilitated between Port Marlborough and CentrePort will see the development of the Riverlands site.  A total of seven hectares of the 32-hectare site will be utilised for the hub with the remainder available to prospective parties.   

    • New CentrePort CEO
      • Chair Lachie Johnstone has announced the CentrePort Board has appointed acting CEO Anthony Delaney as permanent Chief Executive Officer, with immediate effect. “We’re delighted to confirm Anthony in the role after a comprehensive recruitment process over the past four months utilising an external recruitment consultancy,” Mr Johnstone said. Mr Delaney was made acting Chief Executive on 1 April following the departure of previous CEO Derek Nind.  “The recruitment attracted a range of quality candidates with national and international experience, and Anthony emerged as the Board’s choice through a robust process,” Mr Johnstone said. “In his five-and-a-half years as a General Manager at CentrePort, Anthony has been a driving force helping lead the port’s regeneration programme following the Kaikoura earthquakes. “As General Manager Regeneration and Environment he has been integral to the development and delivery of a strategy for a resilient, sustainable business for our customers and shareholders, that will grow freight capacity.  “Health and safety for our people and those they work with is the primary focus at CentrePort and Anthony has demonstrated full commitment to maintaining that goal. “We welcome Anthony to the role and look forward to him continuing the work to deliver a 21st century logistics supply chain asset that benefits customers, the community and economy,” said Mr Johnstone. Biography Anthony Delaney joined CentrePort in November 2016 as General Manager Infrastructure and Environment.   Since 2019 he has been GM Regeneration and Environment. His role at CentrePort has been focused on leading the regeneration of the Port delivering strategic planning, linking in with CentrePort’s spatial and investment planning. Anthony has acted as a Project Director on major infrastructure projects in both Australia and New Zealand. He is experienced in the planning and delivery of projects, and the asset management of large-scale infrastructure businesses. He has a civil engineering degree, and a Bachelor of Commerce, from the University of Wollongong.

    • Shipping channel and berth maintenance works
      • CentrePort is undertaking maintenance to ensure sufficient depths for shipping at some of its wharves, and improvements to shipping channel safety on behalf of the Harbour Master (a downloadable version of this story can be found here) The Dutch Dredging company vessel Albatros, seen in Wellington Harbour last year, returns to clear build-ups of sand in front of the Aotea Quay, and the Thorndon Container, Seaview and Burnham wharves.   The Albatros will be working in areas immediately in front of the wharves, known as ‘berth pockets’.    The Harbour Master reminds recreational vessels to maintain a minimum 100m distance from the Albatros during operations. Shipping movements and propeller wash create mounds of sand which needs to be removed to maintain necessary depths for safe and efficient movement of vessels.   The wharves all play vital roles for CentrePort and importers/exporters.   Aotea Quay facilitates the movement of bulk cargoes such as logs and vehicles.  Thorndon Wharf, home to CentrePort’s two large ship-to-shore cranes allows the movement of shipping containers.  Seaview is where fuel for the lower North Island is offloaded, while all Wellington Airport’s aviation fuel goes through Burnham Wharf. In addition, the Albatros will be doing work on behalf of the Harbour Master/Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC).     It will be removing sand mounds at Falcon Shoals - an area of water between Seatoun and Eastbourne. The removal of material at this site will enable greater separation of the inwards and outwards shipping channels, enhancing safety.  This is acting on recommendations in a joint review by GWRC and CentrePort of navigation safety of the Wellington Harbour entrance conducted last year. All the material removed by the Albatros will be deposited at a site off Thorndon Container Wharf.  The site has been used previously for deposits and is done safely and without disrupting the environment. Greater Wellington Regional Council has granted resource consent for the project covering areas such as care for the environment, maintenance of health and safety, and engagement with Te Whanganui a Tara iwi. With over 7,000 commercial shipping movements per annum (including inter-island ferries, container vessels, fuel tankers, bulk cargo vessels), Wellington is the busiest shipping harbour in New Zealand.  The work covering the berth pocket clearance and shipping lane work is schedule for two weeks, beginning April 11.   Q&A Why is the berth pocket maintenance necessary? Sand caused by propeller wash and shipping movements build up in areas in front of wharves (known as berth pockets).  A minimum depth is required to safely allow for vessels to berth, and to be loaded and unloaded.  Why is material being removed from the Falcon Shoals?  Commercial shipping has designated inwards and outwards lanes.   A review in 2021 conducted by maritime consultancy South Maritime Solutions on behalf of GWRC and CentrePort ( ‘Review of Navigation Safety Wellington Harbour Entrance’)  recommended a greater separation of the outward western lane from the inward eastern lane.  The removal of mounds of sand which currently have to be sailed around, will allow for that greater separation.  The shipping lane adjustments will have no impact on areas used for recreational boating/ water activities. How will the material be removed and where will it go?  The vessel Albatros operated by the company Dutch Dredging will do the work.   A pipe is lowered to the targeted areas and the sand is sucked up onto the vessel.   The vessel will make a series of trips to an area off Thorndon Container Wharf to deposit the material.  This area was used for depositing material following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake and last year’s channel maintenance work and meets environmental consenting requirements.  How long will the work take? The work is scheduled to be completed within two weeks.  The berth pocket maintenance at the four wharfs will take approximately a week and the Falcon Shoals work approximately four days.   The Albatros hours of operation will be between 6am and 6pm. Will it cause any disruption to commercial shipping/recreational use of the harbour? There will be no disruption.   CentrePort and the Harbour Master will keep harbour users informed of the work.  The sound levels will be no greater than usual commercial shipping activity. What about the environment? The project has been granted resource consent by the Greater Wellington Regional Council.   This includes managing operations to protect the marine environment. The Albatros undertaking channel maintenance work in Wellington Habour 2021   Aotea Quay and Thorndon Container Wharf areas for berth pocket maintenance (approximate depiction only – not exact coordinates) Seaview Wharf area for berth pocket maintenance (approximate depiction only – not exact coordinates) Burnham Wharf area for berth pocket maintenance (approximate depiction only – not exact coordinates) Falcon Shoals area (approximate depiction only – not exact coordinates)

    • CentrePort Thorndon Container Wharf Reinstatement
      • A major milestone in CentrePort's regeneration with the Thorndon Container Wharf (TCW) Reinstatement Project extended berth now operational. At 0700 on 10 March, the 262-metre operational length of TCW went live, with the Tianjin Bridge the first ship to benefit from the expanded operational length. Representatives of the project team gathered at dawn for a blessing ceremony led by Kaumatua Peter Jackson representing the local Mana Whenua Taranaki Whanui. The project has expanded the operational length of our ship-to-shore cranes from 125 metres to 262 metres.   This significantly improves productivity as the cranes can now work the entire length of the ship without having to move the vessel as previously required. Major ground resilience works have been undertaken as well, enhancing this significant asset that benefits the central New Zealand economy. The project is the culmination of several years of work following the Thorndon Container Wharf being badly damaged in the November 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake.   Emergency repairs completed in just 10 months restored 125 metres of berth in 2017.  Following the finalisation of insurance in late 2019, the reinstatement and resilience works commenced in 2020. The successful completion of this major project would not have been possible without the great work of CentrePort’s people, and partners including Holmes, HEB Construction, Dixon & Dunlop, WSP and Downer.

    • TWO NEW DIRECTORS APPOINTED TO CENTREPORT BOARD
      • Two new directors have been elected to the CentrePort Board at the 25 November Annual General Meeting. Chairman Lachie Johnstone welcomes Warwick Tauwhare-George and Chris Day to the Board. “Warwick brings a wealth of commercial acumen and Māori business experience, involved in the food and fibre, property and hospitality industries including as a director on Ngai Tahu Farming Limited. “And we welcome Chris’s extensive expertise in the finance, technology and energy sectors.   His range of skills and experience along with those of Warwick will be real assets to the Board,” Mr Johnstone said. Mr Tauwhare-George and Mr Day replace departing directors John Monaghan and Kerrie-Lee Magill. Mr Johnstone thanked the retiring directors for their contribution. “Kerrie Lee leaves after nearly two-and-a-half years and her wide range of commercial experience has benefited to the Board. “And John Monaghan departs having served 11 years.  We thank John for his wise counsel and contribution over a period that has marked major changes and challenges for the business.  These have included the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake and latterly the global pandemic,” said Mr Johnstone.

    • CENTREPORT CHIEF EXECUTIVE BOWS OUT AFTER DECADE AT THE PORT
      • The Board of CentrePort has reluctantly accepted the resignation of Chief Executive Derek Nind who has been with the business since 2012. “We’re incredibly grateful for Derek’s leadership during some of the most challenging times in the port’s history,” Chairman Lachie Johnstone says. “Derek was instrumental in leading the business through the devastating impacts of the Kaikoura Earthquake on 14 November 2016 and subsequent recovery and regeneration. “He has overseen one of the country’s biggest insurance claims and capital regeneration programmes which is vital to supporting thousands of jobs across central New Zealand and beyond.” Mr Johnstone says the Board acknowledges Mr Nind’s decade of service, which includes six-and-a-half years as Chief Executive.  He was previously General Manager, Commercial from 2012 until 2015 when he established the successful CentreRail container service for the region’s importers and exporters. Mr Nind says he is proud of the CentrePort family who have worked hard to make the port a resilient and sustainable business. “I’ll be taking the memories of our people with me, including Teihi Whaanga who tragically died on 13 February 2017, following an accident at work”. The Board will start a comprehensive search for a new Chief Executive, with Mr Nind continuing in the role until 31 March 2022.

    • CentrePort 2021 Annual Result
      • CentrePort has recorded a positive financial result despite ongoing COVID-19 related impacts and incurring residual 2016 earthquake-related costs, Chairman Lachie Johnstone announced. CentrePort recorded an underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $7.2m (this is before Kaikoura earthquake-related items, Changes in Fair Value, Abnormal Items and the tax impact of these items) compared to $14.7 million in FY20.   Operating revenue of $80.2m compared with $84.9 million the previous year reflected the absence of Cruise due to the ongoing COVID-related ban on international cruise ship visits.  These visits are not anticipated to resume in FY22. Effective cost management saw significant reductions in operating expenses from $87.5m to $73.9m, with more to be achieved in the coming year.    CentrePort received the final earthquake related insurance settlement in FY20, however quake-related costs continued during the year such as road-bridging until March, and machine hire and generator costs.  Cost savings less increased depreciation charges in these areas, of $2.7m will be achieved next year. Dividends of $5m were paid to the shareholders – Greater Wellington Regional Council and Horizons Regional Council - (FY20 $5m) as well as a special dividend of $15m.  “CentrePort’s strong balance sheet and having successfully finalised the Kaikoura Earthquake claims in 2019, meant the company was in the position to pay the special dividend. "This restores the dividend pay-out to 50 percent of underlying NPAT over the financial years spanning 2017-2020,” said Mr Johnstone. During the year CentrePort applied for a private binding ruling from Inland Revenue to confirm the tax treatment of the Kaikoura Earthquake insurance settlement payments received in prior years. Inland Revenue has indicated that it disagrees with some tax positions taken in the Group’s 30 June 2020 financial statements. This has resulted in a prior period adjustment to income tax expense of $23.5m recognised in the current year. CEO Derek Nind thanked CentrePort’s people for navigating another challenging year and achieving continued improvements in health and safety.  “Health and safety is a primary focus and all staff continued to take greater leadership in achieving good results in this area. “The COVID pandemic has also created uncertainty for our people, and wellness programmes are helping support them during these difficult times.” Mr Nind said all trade volumes were up with log exports particularly strong. “The more than 1.8m JAS of logs exported was the highest in CentrePort’s history and a 21 percent increase on the previous year.   The 194,000 JAS exported in June was the largest volume for a single month.” Vehicles was another area of strong growth, up 21 percent on FY20, with more than 24,000 units processed through the port. Mr Nind said despite the global logistics supply chain disruptions CentrePort maintained container volume levels. “CentrePort worked closely with importers/exporters and shipping lines to minimise disruption for customers,” he said. CentrePort’s regeneration continued to gather pace with a range of major initiatives achieved and/or underway. Good progress was made on the $38.6 million Thorndon Container Wharf reinstatement project, which will increase the operational length of the gantry cranes from 126 metres to 261 metres.  The project is due for completion in early 2022. Ground-resilience improvements throughout the port continued while damaged and redundant structures were removed, creating thousands of square metres of additional operational space. Mr Nind said implementation of the port’s carbon emissions reduction strategy finalised in August 2020 was well underway. “We are focused on meeting our targets of reducing emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and the port being a net zero emitter by 2040,” Mr Nind said. The partnership with New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF) enabled the procurement and roll out of seven 100 percent electric container-transfer vehicles – a first for any port in New Zealand.  These units assist with lowering carbon emissions and improving operational efficiency. The ‘enhanced rail onto port’ project, also assisted by the NZGIF facility, was competed in FY21. Other carbon reduction activity included the introduction of electric forklifts and LED lighting.

    • New 100% electric container transfer vehicles a first for NZ
      • One hundred percent electric vehicles are now being used to move container cargo at Wellington’s CentrePort, thanks to investment from New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF). After entering into a green credit facility provided by NZGIF, CentrePort has deployed seven French-designed and manufactured Gaussin transfer vehicles and trailers. Each unit is capable of moving two 20-foot containers and has a towing capacity of 75 tonnes. CentrePort is the first port in New Zealand to commission 100 percent electric vehicles for land-based container transfer movement. CentrePort CEO Derek Nind says the vehicles are helping CentrePort towards its target of reducing carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030. “Reducing carbon emissions is a key aspect of CentrePort’s regeneration and our ultimate aim is to reach net zero emissions by 2040. “The Gaussin vehicles also deliver other business benefits including supply chain efficiencies and lower running costs. That’s good for our customers as well as the environment,” Nind said. The vehicles replace diesel vehicles and will reduce carbon emissions by 230 tonnes per annum, around 8% of the port’s emissions annually. As well as assisting the port to achieve its climate change goals, it helps reduce the wider Wellington region’s carbon footprint, and provides an example for other companies in the port sector and beyond. In June 2020, NZGIF committed $15 million to the facility in support of CentrePort’s decarbonisation and regeneration plans, providing the financing to ensure that lower carbon projects stayed high on the priority list, said NZGIF CEO Craig Weise. “It is gratifying to see the fruits of our investment in this ground-breaking first for New Zealand. The recent Climate Change Commission advice highlighted that change needs to occur across all sectors of New Zealand’s economy. CentrePort’s ambitious decarbonisation programme, including these new vehicles, shows that decarbonisation can take many innovative forms”. The NZGIF green credit facility is financing a range of other initiatives at CentrePort including the reintroduction of rail carrying containers directly onto port after a gap of four years due to damage caused by the Kaikōura earthquake, reducing truck movements onto the port. Technical specifications of the Electric Transfer Vehicles Towing Capacity: 75 tonnes Length: 5.9 metres Width: 2.55 metres Height: 3.55 metres Maximum speed: 35 km/h Maximum speed fully loaded: 24 km/h Battery pack: Solid state battery Lithium Metal Polymer with eight-year life cycle. Battery capability: 12 hours pulling full loads

    • HOLIDAY PAY AND LEAVE REMEDIATION INFORMATION FOR FORMER CENTREPORT EMPLOYEES
      • HOLIDAY PAY REMEDIATION INFORMATION FOR FORMER CENTREPORT EMPLOYEES CentrePort commissioned an independent review in 2018 of its payroll processes and resulting annual holiday and other leave payments to assess compliance with the Holidays Act 2003. This was in response to advice that the payroll systems of many New Zealand businesses and Government agencies had miscalculated how holiday and leave should be paid to employees. The review conducted by PWC established that there had been miscalculations in holiday and leave payments for some CentrePort employees, mostly impacting staff who work variable hours. Now that work is complete, we’re putting things right by providing remediation payments to our people and former employees who were impacted by this legislation between July 2012 and July 2021. Former employees identified as being underpaid will have received an email communication from CentrePort directing them to this website. Please click on the following link to complete the Former Employee Claim Form Former Employee Claim Form Completion of this form is an important step of our verification process and ensures that the information we hold for you is up to date. It safeguards us from making payments to incorrect people and reduces any risk of fraudulent activity. It also ensures that we apply accurate tax calculations and KiwiSaver deductions where applicable. To complete the form, you will be required to upload some documentation which is listed below: 1. Identity Verification: A copy of any one of following - birth certificate, passport, certificate of citizenship, Immigration New Zealand visa, driver’s license, firearms license, or HANZ 18+ card. If the document has text on both sides (e.g. driver's license), both sides need to be scanned for it to be accepted. 2. Proof of bank account A copy of any pre-printed deposit slip or bank statement which includes the full bank account number (bank, branch, account number, and suffix) and the account holder's name or a clear screenshot of your internet banking page which shows the account number and name on it. 3. Proof of Name change (if applicable) Attach documentation showing the name change from old to new, e.g. a marriage certificate or a statutory declaration 4. Completed Tax code Declaration (IR330 form) 5. Completed KiwiSaver Member (KS2 form) OR Non-KiwiSaver Member (KS10 form) 6. If making claim on behalf of another person Power of Attorney or Evidence of executor of a former employer estate   For further information please contact the CentrePort payroll team on holidaypay@centreport.co.nz

    • CentrePort to pay special dividend
      • CentrePort is paying its shareholders a special dividend of $15 million as the company continues to progress its regeneration. Chairman Lachie Johnstone says with CentrePort’s strong balance sheet and having successfully finalised the Kaikoura Earthquake claims in 2019, the company is in the position to pay the special dividend to its shareholders – Greater Wellington Regional Council and Horizons Regional Council.* The impact of the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake meant CentrePort paid lower than planned dividends totalling $11.7m during the financial years spanning 2017-2020. "The $15 million restores the dividend pay-out to 50 percent of underlying Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) over that period (i.e., $26.7 million). "CentrePort has performed strongly since the Kaikoura quake in 2016, and despite the headwinds because of COVID, CentrePort’s trades have been growing.  Cruise remains on hold while the Government ban on international arrivals remains in place. "The company is investing in infrastructure to benefit customers, the community, the environment and its shareholders.   CentrePort’s regeneration is progressing well to deliver a resilient 21st century logistics supply chain asset vital for the prosperity of central New Zealand,” said Johnstone. Regeneration progress in the past year includes: The return of container cargo by rail onto port after four years with the reinstatement of rail infrastructure damaged by the Kaikoura earthquake. Progress on the $38.6 million Thorndon Container Wharf reinstatement project that will double the operational width of the gantry cranes to increase operational capacity to meet customer requirements. The arrival and impending commissioning of 100 percent electric tractor and trailer units for the container service operations that will lower carbon emissions and improve operational efficiency. Expansion of the Waingawa log yard capacity from 9,000 tonnes to 16,000 tonnes and procurement of additional land for further expansion. Ground resilience improvements throughout the port including installation of more than 1000 stone columns, and continued demolition of damaged / redundant structures creating thousands of square metres of additional operational space.  *[CentrePort pays dividends via holding companies of Greater Wellington Regional Council and Horizons Regional Council – WRC Holdings Limited and MWRC Holdings Limited respectively]

    • WELLINGTON HARBOUR SHIPPING CHANNEL MAINTENANCE
      • CentrePort is undertaking work to remove a build-up of sand in Wellington Harbour to ensure shipping has sufficient depth to operate, improving safety and efficiency. CentrePort General Manager Logistics Mark Thompson says ridges of sand have built up over several years in two areas of the shipping channels in the entrance to the harbour and need to be removed to improve the safe and efficient movement of vessels. “The build-up has been caused by propeller wash in two areas located in stretch of water between Pencarrow Head and Seatoun which means deep draft ships are having to deviate from the usual entry and exit routes. “Removing the sand will return the harbour to its original depth in those two areas allowing ships to use the established entry and exit shipping lanes,” Thompson said. The Dutch Dredging company vessel Albatros will do the work which is scheduled to begin Thursday 22 April and take three-to-six days to complete. “Wellington is the busiest shipping harbour in New Zealand with more than 7000 commercial vessel movements (inter-island ferries, container vessels, fuel tankers, bulk cargo vessels) every year,” said Thompson. Approximately 22,000 cubic metres of sand will be removed to return the channels to their previous depth. The sand will be deposited at a site near CentrePort’s Thorndon Container Wharf – previously used for depositing dredged material from the berths at Aotea Quay following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. Greater Wellington Regional Council has granted resource consent for the project covering areas such as care for the environment, maintenance of health and safety, and engagement with Te Whanganui a Tara iwi. This is the first shipping channel maintenance required in Wellington Harbour since 1968 when 264,000 cubic metres was removed. Most New Zealand commercial ports require the regular removal of built-up material annually. Q&A Why is the channel maintenance necessary? Sand caused by propeller wash has built up in two areas of Wellington Harbour in shipping lanes used by vessels to enter and depart Wellington Harbour. This has reduced the depth of the Harbour in these relatively small areas (1045m x 85m wide, and 500m x80m) to less than the required minimum for safe clearance for deep draft vessels. These vessels are currently having to navigate around the shallow areas which is inefficient and reduces options in case other shipping needs to change course. The work will return the shipping channels to their previous depth.   How will the material be removed and where will it go? The vessel Albatros operated by the company Dutch Dredging will do the work. A pipe is lowered to the targeted areas and the sand is sucked up onto the vessel. The vessel will make a series of trips to an area off Thorndon Container Wharf to deposit the material. This area was used for depositing sand following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake.   How long will it take? The work is scheduled to take three-to-six days depending on weather and sea conditions. The Albatros hours of operation will be between 6am and 6pm.   Will it cause any disruption to commercial shipping/recreational use of the harbour? There will be no disruption. CentrePort and the Harbour Master will keep harbour users informed of the work. The sound levels will be no greater than usual commercial shipping activity.   What about the environment? The project has been granted resource consent by the Greater Wellington Regional Council. This includes managing operations to protect the marine environment.   How does this work compare to previous Wellington Harbour maintenance? This is a small project in comparison to previous removal of material in shipping channels in Wellington Habour. The previous maintenance was in 1968 when 264,000 cubic metres of material was removed – 13 times the amount of material that may be removed in this work. The original dredging of the harbour took seven years (1904-1911) when 7.8 million cubic metres of material was removed.   Why is the maintenance of the shipping channels in an out of Wellington Harbour important? The movement of maritime traffic is critical to our economy and the movement of people between the North and South Islands. Ensuring the channels are maintained at the appropriate depth ensures the safe and efficient movement of shipping. Wellington is the busiest commercial shipping harbour in New Zealand. Between ferries taking people and cargo between the North and South Islands, container ships carrying imports and exports, and fuel tankers and bulk cargo vessels delivering vital cargoes, there are more than 7,000 ship movements per annum in Wellington Harbour. That activity is critical to the prosperity of not just Wellington, but the New Zealand economy. Over a million people travel by ferry between the Islands each year, and cargo valued at $20bn is transported per annum.        

    • CentrePort Regeneration – Thorndon Container Wharf Reinstatement Project
      • A project to reinstate operational capacity of CentrePort’s Thorndon Container Wharf has commenced. Prior to the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake the wharf was 585-metres long but was severely damaged by the quake. Temporary repairs restored 125 metres of operational width for the two gantry cranes to work along. Following ground resilience work earlier this year, the reinstatement programme is underway to increase the operational width to up to 250 metres.    The project is part of CentrePort’s regeneration programme that is delivering on our vision of a 21st century logistics supply chain asset to benefit the business, the community, and the New Zealand economy. The project will enhance the resilience of what is a critical supply chain asset for CentrePort’s container operation and its customers including importers, exporters, and shipping lines. Project Details The works will involve the insertion of piles which will support new steel structures which will create a frame to support the lengthened operational area. The piling makes two sounds. One is a regularly repeated sound, the second is a high frequency vibration sound. Sound Management A sound management plan in place, and monitoring will be conducted to ensure the operation is compliant with Resource Management Act requirements and Council consents. The work will be limited to between 7:30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Your patience is appreciated while these important resilience works are undertaken. For further information: Centreport.Communications@centreport.co.nz END

    • CENTREPORT REGENERATION – CURRENT PROGRESS AND FUTURE POTENTIAL
      • CentrePort CEO Derek Nind has announced details of an ambitious regeneration programme that will support its business objectives of; - Building a long term sustainable and resilient business - Growing freight capacity - Optimising land use and enabling urban integration - Strengthening relationships with stakeholders. The finalisation last year of the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake insurance claims totalling $667.2 million has given CentrePort the surety to progress regeneration plans. Using world-class international and New Zealand expertise, CentrePort can regenerate the port and deliver a 21st century logistics asset which will deliver the best for our people, our customers, our community, and our environment. Exciting opportunities include: - A revamped commercial port layout utilising new technology that will significantly increase cargo volumes, providing greater prosperity to the central New Zealand economy. - Opening up a new inner harbour precinct, enhancing the urban integration between the port and the city, providing more space for buildings, things to see and more waterfront to enjoy. CentrePort already has the ‘shovels in the ground’ across a range of major infrastructure projects to deliver on its business objectives.  We are keen to have a conversation with our stakeholders about the exciting possibilities in the future. You can see more details of the regeneration programme at https://regeneration.centreport.co.nz/ END

    • CENTREPORT CONTINUES TO BUILD REGENERATION MOMENTUM
      • CentrePort’s regeneration continued to gain momentum while it provided essential services through the COVID crisis in what has been a challenging 2019/20 financial year. CentrePort recorded an underlying net profit after tax (NPAT), before earthquake impacts, changes in fair value, and realisation of financial instruments of $14.7m.   Total comprehensive income net of tax was $157m. This compares to an underlying NPAT of $17.6m in FY19.   A dividend of $5m was paid to shareholders compared to $4m last year.

    • COVID-19 CentrePort Update
      • Information for CentrePort Customers CentrePort is committed to keeping its employees, and everyone it interacts with safe, as well as meeting our commitments to providing service to you as a customer. Currently there is no disruption to CentrePort services. CentrePort has business continuity plans and has established a dedicated COVID-19 response team to manage the situation as it evolves daily. We are guided by the Ministry of Health COVID-19 guidelines and meeting our requirements under the Health Act. We are taking a proactive approach to minimise potential disruption to our business including: Planning: We have business continuity plans and our Incident Action Plan for a Serious Health Emergency has been activated. Promoting hygiene practices and Ministry of Health information to employees, contractors, suppliers, and all visitors to our sites. Medical and policy support:  CentrePort is providing access to primary health care for employees if required and has appropriate sick leave policies in place. Listening to the experts: CentrePort is taking direct advice from Regional Public Health/Ministry of Health/Maritime NZ.   PPE: We are providing PPE as required to staff. Shipping / border control: CentrePort is observing stringent border management controls under the Health Act 1956.  Vessels already provide a declaration of health prior to arrival, and public health officers are now empowered to quarantine vessels if it is suspected any crew/passengers have COVID-19. Contact If you have further queries, please contact CentrePort on centreport.communications@centreport.co.nz or alternatively contact specific Operations/Service Delivery and/or Commercial contacts as listed here.   Information for CentrePort Suppliers/Contractors This information is relevant if you have employees who interact with / work on CentrePort sites.    It is important that you communicate this information directly to them. CentrePort has implemented a range of measures to help protect its employees and other visitors on our sites avoid infection. We request your employees observe the following protocols when interacting with CentrePort. Hygiene Frequent hand washing.    Hand sanitizer and/or soap is available widely around the port.  Hands should be washed for at least 30 seconds. Dry hands thoroughly.  The disease can be spread on wet hands. Cover coughs and sneezes - use disposable tissues or cough/sneeze into your elbow, and wash hands. Avoid close contact (< 1metre) with anyone suffering from acute respiratory infections. Observing Ministry of Health guidance Should any of your employees feel unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms, we would expect them to follow Ministry of Health guidance and not come onto our premises. CentrePort expects everyone to follow all other Ministry of Health guidelines. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Contact  If you have further queries, please contact CentrePort on centreport.communications@centreport.co.nz or alternatively contact specific Operations/Service Delivery and/or Commercial contacts as listed here.

    • Position on ships’ exhaust gas scrubber discharge in the port of Wellington – February 11 2020
      • CentrePort and the Greater Wellington Regional Council, as guardians of the port of Wellington, wish to work with the port’s customers in the new environment of exhaust cleaning systems to ensure our harbour is maintained in a pristine and healthy condition. CentrePort and the Greater Wellington Regional Council are jointly seeking further guidance from National Regulatory Authorities in relation to the discharge of ship’s exhaust scrubber washwater into our harbour. Our current understanding is that that there are no regulations specifically prohibiting their use in NZ ports and harbours; ship’s systems and washwater discharges must meet IMO criteria. In addition, the discharge from scrubber systems should not have any of the following effects on the receiving waters: The production of any conspicuous oil or grease films, scums or foams, or floatable or suspended materials: Any conspicuous change of colour or visual clarity: Any emission of objectionable odour: Any significant adverse effects on aquatic life Discharges in contravention of the above may be investigated and necessary enforcement actions taken under the provisions of the Resource Management Act 1991 (or associated pollution regulations).  Vessels may be required to shut down scrubber systems until it can be proven that the system is operating to the standards required. It is however our recommendation that vessels switch to a low sulphur fuel alternative or use any available closed loop EGCS system when within the port of Wellington. Our position on the status of these discharges may change pending the receipt of further information, regulatory guidance or national policy.

    • Focus On Centreport Regeneration Now Insurance Finalised
      • The regeneration of CentrePort has taken a major step forward with the finalisation of one of the largest insurance claims in New Zealand. Nearly three years after the November 14 Kaikoura Earthquake caused major damage, CentrePort has finalised the port infrastructure claim with insurers for $472.5 million (net of deductibles).   Adding the earlier finalised Commercial Property portfolio and Coldstore claims, the combined amount totals $667.2 million net of deductibles. Chief Executive Derek Nind says three years of hard work has gone into getting to this point which marks a significant milestone for CentrePort as it plans for the future. "It has been a great team effort involving CentrePort staff, insurance claim experts, assessors and engineers.  I would also like to thank Vero, its co-insurers and Aon in assisting in the finalisation through what was a complex and challenging time.  "This means we can now proceed with the development of CentrePort’s regeneration with greater surety.  "The regeneration aims to deliver a 21st century logistics asset which is sustainable and brings benefit to the regional economy. It will provide an asset which connects with the communities and regions that we serve. "CentrePort has also accomplished much over the last three years in improving port resilience, undertaking repairs and freeing up land to create options for long-term development,” said Mr Nind

    • Strong Result Positions CentrePort Well For The Future
      • Continued growth in CentrePort has delivered a strong result for the 2018/19 financial year. Most major trade volumes increased significantly as CentrePort recorded an underlying profit after tax and before earthquake impacts, changes in fair value and realisation of financial instruments of $16.6m.

    • Strong Result Positions CentrePort Well For The Future
      • Continued growth in CentrePort has delivered a strong result for the 2018/19 financial year. Most major trade volumes increased significantly as CentrePort recorded an underlying profit after tax and before earthquake impacts, changes in fair value and realisation of financial instruments of $16.6m.

    • New CentrePort Director
      • Kerrie-Lee Magill has been appointed to the Board of CentrePort Limited. Ms Magill fills the vacancy left by the departing Richard Janes who served on the CentrePort Board for 15 years.

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