Ports of Auckland records strong container volume rise

The company had an 18-month high in September with 130 ship calls and 55,722 containers moved.

"The trend to hubbing is also intensifying, with trans-shipment volumes at the Ports this quarter up 24 percent on the same period last year," managing director Jens Madsen said.

He said the new ports vehicle booking system (VBS) was helping improve service to trucking companies and shipping lines despite peaks in demand.

The Ports handled 18 percent more trucks in September than in 2007.

Madsen said, despite "these good results" the company was continuing to improve the reliability of the VBS and was "implementing a range of initiatives to optimise staffing to cater for peak periods".

He was cautious about prospects for the December quarter.

"The shipping market continues to experience significant volatility amid the global economic downturn. We anticipate similar volumes for the October to December period as were seen in 2007."