Maersk has alternative port contingency plan

Maersk, one of the biggest shipping companies affected by the Auckland port strike, says it is not planning to change its shipping schedule yet.

But it has yet-to-be-announced contingency plans.

In a vague and clumsy statement, Maersk's Auckland spin doctor John Redwood told NBR Online: "What happens in future depends on what takes place between now and then."

Mr Redwood says Maersk is constantly reviewing its schedules and the port's industrial situation is "one factor which would come into play."

Mr Redwood says he can't comment on how much the strike action has cost Maersk, in terms of the delayed turnaround of ships, or the cost of having to direct operations away from the embattled port.

“The costs have not been quantified at this stage,” he says.

Maersk Line New Zealand Managing Director Julian Bevis said on Monday the company did not "presently" have firm plans to cease calling at Auckland, but that contingency plans for alternative coverage are always created in situations where the ability to serve customers is “potentially disrupted”.

“In establishing such contingency plans Maersk Line will seek input and solutions from all relevant parties to ensure that no stone has been left unturned in the process,” Mr Bevis said.

He said Maersk was keeping a “close eye” on the situation and proactively evaluating all viable alternatives, but dismissed reports that Maersk Line would "immediately" stop calling at Auckland.

“Such a change would in any case only be possible to implement with a certain notice since cargo already on-board vessels on their way to Auckland will obviously need to be delivered to the customers,” Mr Bevis said.

Concerns were raised that Maersk might move more of its operations to the port of Tauranga as a result of the strike action.

In December, the shipping giant switched its Southern Star container service from Auckland to Tauranga, a $20 million loss for the Auckland Port. The move sparked concerns that more shipping companies may follow suit and move their operations away from the port of Auckland.