Napier Port reports strong container growth, bulk cargo dip

Napier Port reported a 9.1% increase in total annual containerised cargo volume to 250,000 TEU for the financial year ended September 30, 2025. This was driven by a stronger apple season and increased imports, though the fourth quarter saw a 3.3% decrease in containerised cargo volume. Annual containerised exports rose 7% to 113,000 TEU, with reefer exports up 7.3% due to higher apple volumes, partially offset by lower meat. Imports also grew 4.8% to 113,000 TEU, led by higher containerised fertiliser and general cargo.

Conversely, total annual bulk cargo volume decreased by 1.7% to 3.4 million tonnes, primarily due to lower log exports compared to the previous year, which had benefited from windthrown logs. Log exports for the year fell 5.8% to 2,699,000 tonnes. However, the fourth quarter saw an 11.9% increase in bulk cargo, boosted by a rise in fertiliser imports.

Container vessel calls for the year increased to 264 from 246, while charter vessel calls rose to 248 from 236. Cruise vessel calls for the 2025 season totaled 78, a decrease from 89 in the 2024 season.