Container transportation has been significantly disrupted in and around New Zealand ports in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Maersk has issued an advisory to customers informing them that ships have had to leave Tauranga port’s anchorage and are now at sea, where they will remain until it is deemed safe for them to return.
High swells around the Port of Tauranga have also led to the suspension of all vessel callings at the port.
Additionally, the Ports of Auckland will release all berthed ships, and no ship will be allowed to berth until 15 February. However, it may take longer depending on how precarious the situation remains.
The advisory also notes that Napier Port has been closed since 3:00 pm local time on 13 February.
“Maersk teams are working closely with affected terminals, depots, and transport service providers to assess the ongoing impact of the situation on a service-by-service basis,” said Maersk.
“Our goal remains to provide you with service predictability and to provide alternative supply chain routings, where available, to minimise disruption to your logistics networks.”
READ: Maersk debuts New Zealand coastal service
The cyclone has impacted the central and northern parts of New Zealand and has led to the government declaring a state of emergency for only the third time in the country’s history.
New Zealand regions will be subject to this emergency status include Northland, Auckland, Tairawhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Hawkes Bay.
The cyclone has left approximately 2,500 people displaced, and the damage sustained from flooding and landslides have caused power outages for some 225,000 people around the North Island.
Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty, said: “This is an unprecedented weather event that is having major impacts across much of the North Island.”
READ: Maersk to open 45,000 square-metre cold chain facility in New Zealand
