Pain in the supply chain caused by shipping congestion and the absence of cruise ships will continue to challenge Port Otago for the next six months. Port Otago ship visits dropped to 217 for the six months to December, from 270 visits in the corresponding 2019 period. Port Otago had invested over the past two years in new hardstand to store more logs at its Dunedin bulk port. "Congestion is a real issue on New Zealand coasts that has a knock-on effect through various ports," Mr Winders said. Port Otago was working with shipping partners and export customers to smooth out disruptions in the supply chain.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 24, 2021 15:36 UTC