Port of Auckland is investing millions in expanding its port, with three berths ahead, a new cruise terminal, a new walkway, and even a dedicated hull cleaning area.
Speaking on how important this work is, Chris Mills, gm marine for multi cargo and cruise at Port of Auckland, acknowledges that the work being done in Auckland supports the rest of New Zealand. The $400 million work, which Mills says has been shaped by feedback from cruise lines, includes the addition of a third Bledisloe North wharf, as well as an upgrade of the Queen’s Wharf terminal, and a channel deepening. Fast track consent for this project was granted in Jul, and Mills says the construction of the new wharf is expected to start this Aug, with a completion date of Oct 2026, a date he’d very much like to stick to. “If I have to operate a digger myself, I will,” he says. An elevated covered walkway will then debut in Mar 2027.
. . . Hull Cleaning
Mills appears most excited about the current trials regarding an in-port hull cleaning niche area. The first trial has been a success, trial two is taking place in Aug 2025, and if all goes well it will be in operation this Oct, in time for the coming cruise season, he told those as yesterday’s NZCA conference. “We are moving at pace; we need to deliver this for our cruise line customers,” says Mills. “We believe it will be very successful.”
. . . Pricing
On the hot topic of pricing, Mills says the port has held the passenger levy at its current rate for the next three years, and is providing ‘competitive pricing’ for cruise lines that are asking about winter cruising.
