Within that, full import volumes were up 6.1%. Port volumes suggested a better Christmas was had by those on the receiving end of consumer spending in the Upper North Island, but that conditions were still challenging, according to Chief Executive Mr Tony Gibson. Bulk and breakbulk volume at Ports of Auckland was up 40% to 1.88m tonnes, reflecting a good recovery of volumes across all categories, along with the gaining of additional “project” cargo. Within breakbulk volumes, vehicle volumes (as measured in units) were up 23.8% to 77,662. Total ship calls for the period were 761 – two fewer than during the same period last year. Mr Gibson said cruise ship bookings were strong, and continued growth in servicing that sector was expected. Ports of Auckland’s earnings before interest and tax was $30.7m (up 4.8%) assisted by a lift in revenue of 7% to $87.7m. Normalised profit after tax and interest charges was $14.0m ($13.9m). After taking into account deferred tax adjustment, impairment costs and the impact of cash flow hedge movements, comprehensive income was $10.5m ($13.2m). In what is an extremely competitive environment, Ports of Auckland is continuing to work to  secure a long term  contract to handle Maersk Line container volumes, Mr Gibson said. Maersk New Zealand is a major contributor to overall container volumes through the Port. “Long term commitments are crucial for the port to be able to plan and invest for future growth,” Mr Gibson said.

Outlook
Mr Gibson said container trade volumes were steady in January and February compared with the same months last year, though trans-shipment volumes continued to trend positively for the port. Forward bookings for cruise visits were encouraging and vehicle imports volumes were strong. “The trading environment in New Zealand and abroad remains challenging, however, and indicators suggest moderate import volumes with growth expected only later in the calendar year,” Mr Gibson said.

Mr YK Song, managing director of Hanjin Shipping Europe Regional Headquarters, emphasised the significance of the additional service line for the company in declaring, “Our customers operate globally and therefore we have to provide them with diversified, global services. Hamburg is and will remain an important hub for both our company and our customers.” The new service represents a further stage in the shipping line’s diversification plans and is a response to the change in global cargo flows and markets.

In 2010, the flow of container traffic cargo between Hamburg and the east coast of South America increased to 260,000 TEU, a rise of 10.6 percent over the previous year. Brazil alone accounted for container traffic totalling over 189,000 TEU. Brazil’s economy is continuing to generate increased export trade and with the transhipment of around 5.6 million tons has consolidated the country’s position as Hamburg’s third most important shipping freight trading partner. In terms of imports, shipping freight brought in from Brazil via Hamburg primarily involves iron ore, oilseeds, raw coffee and meat, while exports via Hamburg mainly encompass fertilizers, vehicles, machinery, plant parts and chemical products.

In connection with services between northern Europe and the east coast of South America, HANJIN had previously booked cargo space on the River Plate Express between Hamburg South and Aliança. Together with the “K” line (Condor Express), Compania Chilena de Navegacion Interoceanica (CCNI) served South America’s west coast from Hamburg. COSCO has only actively participated in traffic to South America from Asia to date, while South America is a totally new area of operation for UASC.

Highlighting the market significance of import and export traffic between Hamburg and Brazil, under the banner “Hafen Hamburg/Port of Hamburg” and in cooperation with member companies, Port of Hamburg Marketing will be presenting the diversity of services offered by the Port of Hamburg at the INTERMODAL SOUTH AMERICA trade fair in São Paulo from 5-7 April .

From 1 June, Smits will be Chief Financial Officer of the Port Authority. The post has been vacant since Thessa Menssen switched jobs to that of Chief Operational Officer on 1 January of this year. The Port of Rotterdam Authority has a three-man board. Hans Smits (not related) is Chief Executive Officer. With the appointment of Paul Smits by the shareholders (the municipality of Rotterdam and the State), the board is again complete.