Closing a port can cost a fortune
A study has analysed the costs of closing the port of Auckland. If Auckland’s port was out of action, the cost of imports would rise by between NZD 533 million and NZD 626 million a year. The study, carried out by independent economic consultancy NZIER, looks at what would happen if freight had to be delivered to Auckland from distant ports.
The study found multiple negative regional and national impacts such as over NZD 1.2 billion a year in reduced GDP nationally, fewer exports and less investment. Carbon emissions would also increase because freight must travel further by land to reach market in Auckland. CO2 emissions will rise between 121,000 and 212,000 t annually.
Ports of Auckland’s CEO Tony Gibson said “Some people claim that closing Auckland’s port would not increase prices, but this is not true. I'm also very concerned about the increase in carbon emissions that would be caused by using distant ports to handle Auckland’s freight.” (fd)