| 39 CentrePort Wellington REGIONAL Biosecurity Approved Transitional Facility 100% NZ owned and operated Specialising in Container Cartage, Warehousing and Distribution t: (04) 939 1511 e: cartage@crawfords.net.nz www.crawfords.net.nz Proudly Supporting CentrePort T T Karen Phelps CentrePort set to reap gains from upgrades CentrePort Wellington is transforming its operations through a series of developments spanning private 5G connectivity, electrical infrastructure upgrades, and critical ferry infrastructure investment. The port’s first major operational application of its private 5G network has now been realised, with 5G-enabled Peplink modems installed across 100 per cent of its operational plant (for example empty container handlers and fully electric Internal Movement Vehicles), developed in partnership with Tū Ātea, a Māori telecommunications spectrum provider. Previously, operators relied on the public 4G network, resorting to radios, a critical health and safety asset, to coordinate container movements. “Now our operators can access CentrePort systems through onboard tablets and keep radios clear for health and safety purposes, which is what they’re meant to do,” says CentrePort Chief Executive Anthony Delaney. With no dropouts reported, expansion of the network is being considered and further trials planned. “This has the potential to provide us with a continuous, reliable source of visual information, which is a critical asset for port-wide safety.” On the energy front, four new switchboards have been installed at Substation C alongside seismic strengthening works, paving the way for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) pilot. Similar upgrades at other substations will support additional solar installations and shore power for the Kokako bunker barge. “This substation is at the heart of our operation. It may not sound or look like much to some people, but without it, there’d be no power for refrigerated containers anywhere on the port.” CentrePort is also playing a significant role in New Zealand’s Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme, working alongside Port Marlborough, Ferry Holdings and KiwiRail to deliver the marine infrastructure required at Kaiwharawhara to support new rail-enabled ferries. The project, which includes construction of a new linkspan, extending the existing wharf and associated structures, is expected to be completed in time for new vessels’ arrival in 2029. Site preparation work, including the removal of existing structures and wooden piles, has already been completed. way from the port itself, CentrePort’s multimodal freight service CentreConnect continues to link key trade areas across the lower North Island and upper South Island by road, rail and sea. The service provides shippers with resilience against supply chain disruption. CentrePort is also making considerable strides commercially. From September 2025, COSCO Shipping and OOCL commenced weekly direct calls at Wellington, connecting it to Melbourne, Bell Bay and Sydney. More recently, MSC announced its Eagle Service will commence calling at Wellington from February 2026, linking the port to East Coast America. “These services offer more options for our customers and shippers, with new avenues for imports and exports in and out of Central New Zealand,” says Anthony. The port reported an unaudited underlying half-year profit of $8.7 million, $500,000 ahead of the same period last year, with container volumes up 25 per cent year on year. “We are extremely proud of this in the current market environment and what our people have delivered to enable economic growth.” CentrePort Chief Executive Anthony Delaney. The port is also playing a significant role in the Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme.
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