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There are fears for safety and congestion on the road north of Auckland, following news that a container ship diverted to Northland will lead to almost 2,700 more truck trips before Christmas.
The North Port of Whangārei agreed to unload 1,340 containers from the ship Constantinos P, after congestion at Auckland’s ports meant they could not be unloaded there in time for Christmas.
The ship, operated by ANL Container Lines, was originally scheduled to stop at Auckland Harbor on December 5, but congestion related to the impact of Covid-19 globally and a lack of staff meant the date was pushed back until December 22.
Kirk Hargreaves / Things
Constantinos P’s diversion from Auckland ports to Northport will result in 2,700 additional container truck trips, says National Road Carriers. (File photo)
Northport has agreed to step up to help, even though the 261 million ship will be the largest docked at the port and is not fully equipped for unloading, Chief Executive Officer Jon Moore said in a statement.
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Constantinos P will dock in Northport on Sunday and the cargo will be unloaded via mobile crane, ready for road transport starting Thursday.
Northport / Supplied
Northport has handled container ships before, but the 261 million Constantinos P will be the largest.
But the plan has raised serious safety concerns for the 140km highway between Marsden Point and Auckland, according to National Road Carriers CEO David Aitken.
There will be 2,680 additional truck trips on the highway due to ship deviation, and trucks will have to travel from Auckland to Northport and then back.
“There is poor road infrastructure between Auckland and Northport, including two crash black spots in Dome Valley and Brynderwyns,” he said.
Supplied
This 2014 accident in Dome Valley did not cause injuries, but the road is notorious for accidents. (File photo)
Truck drivers are already at full capacity due to the Christmas fever and will be interacting with Christmas traffic, Aitken said.
“The road is not perfect and they are going to send boys [truck drivers], used to driving the subway, on the road “.
Aitken said there was a lack of alternatives to the road, with Auckland’s North Rail line currently closed for a $ 110 million redevelopment.
It is not due to reopen until January 11, although a link to the port location at Marsden Point has not been built.
While Northport said coastal shipping was being considered, Aitken did not know which ships would be available to carry the containers.
ANL had found a tailor-made solution, without thinking about the broader consequences, he said, and more work was needed to improve the supply chain in the North Island.
Northport / Supplied
Northport has focused on log exports so far, but wants to have a greater share of the North Island supply chain. (File photo)
Moore agreed and said the central government needed to continue investing in road, rail and coastal transportation infrastructure.
“While the current supply chain issues affecting the country may be unprecedented, they clearly demonstrate the need for a resilient and geographically intelligent Upper North Island supply chain strategy that makes the best use of all three ports. existing “.
ANL has been contacted to comment on the highway concerns.
In a statement, the company said it was adopting a proactive solution to support retail and the economy.
“We are confident in Northport’s capabilities and are pleased to have found this solution with them. Additionally, we believe that Northport will be a suitable alternative door for North Island customers. “
