WASHINGTON: Ports of Auckland has been recognised as the ‘Best Seaport in Oceania’ at the Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards. Ports of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson said he was extremely pleased that the hard work of the port’s employees has been recognised with the award. “Thousands of shippers and industry experts voted in these awards, which means the results are a true reflection of our performance. To be the only New Zealand port even nominated for this award and then to win it is just brilliant,” he said.
“I am immensely proud of our people here at Ports of Auckland. Our people are world-class, innovative, creative and hard-working. Night and day, in fair weather and foul, they get the ships in and out and ensure that Aucklanders have access to the goods they want and need. It is fantastic that their efforts have been internationally recognised.
Finalists were judged on efficiency, container shipping-related infrastructure, fee structures, facilitation of ancillary services and truck turnaround times. Voters were also asked to evaluate finalists’ investment in new infrastructure to meet future demand. The other finalists were Port of Melbourne, Port of Brisbane and Sydney Ports.
The annual awards, hosted and organised by Asia Cargo News, recognise leading air and shipping lines, air and sea ports, logistics providers and other industry professionals. The ‘Best Seaport in Oceania’ award was introduced as a new category in 2016 following the inception of the awards in 1986, making Ports of Auckland the award’s first recipient. Ports of Auckland is New Zealand’s most efficient port according to figures published by the Ministry of Transport. In December 2015 the company reported a 10% increase in crane rate efficiency, as noted in their Interim Report.
