Govt Completes Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund with Digital Port Coordination

According to the Government, New Zealand’s port operations have historically operated in a fragmented manner, making it more difficult to manage disruptions or coordinate shipping movements efficiently.

The New Zealand Government has announced the final investment under its $30 million Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, committing $400,000 toward a national digital platform designed to improve coordination across the country’s ports and shipping networks.

Associate Transport Minister James Meager confirmed the funding, which will support the development of a digital supply chain coordination platform in partnership with PortConnect. The system is intended to improve visibility and efficiency across port operations while strengthening New Zealand’s ability to respond to disruptions.

Improving Coordination Across New Zealand’s Ports

According to the Government, New Zealand’s port operations have historically operated in a fragmented manner, making it more difficult to manage disruptions or coordinate shipping movements efficiently.

Meager said the new digital platform will help address these challenges by improving the sharing of information between ports and shipping operators.

“Historically, the siloed nature of New Zealand’s port operations has resulted in limited ability to anticipate, respond and adapt to disruptive events,” Meager said.

“This funding will address the fragmented coordination of berthing windows and vessel visits.”

The platform is expected to improve planning and communication between ports, shipping companies, and logistics providers, enabling faster responses to disruptions in the supply chain.

Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience

The Government says the investment is particularly important given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events that have disrupted infrastructure and freight routes in recent years.

“Recent weather events have reinforced the value of clear, shared information when under pressure,” Meager said.

“Our ports are an economic lifeline to the outside world. If we are to grow productivity, we need greater resilience to external impacts on the way we trade.”

Improving coordination between ports is expected to enhance the overall reliability of coastal shipping and strengthen the country’s freight network.

Six Key Investments in Coastal Shipping

The digital platform investment marks the final project funded under the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, which has supported six initiatives aimed at improving maritime infrastructure and workforce capability.

The funded projects include:

• Container-handling equipment in Gisborne to support faster freight movement

• Upgrades to the Rangitata coastal vessel to improve its ability to handle cargo independently

• Reconstruction and restoration of the Greymouth wharf to return the facility to operational use

• Training berths on domestic vessels to help maritime students gain the sea time required to qualify as professional mariners

• Development of a cost-effective dredging capability in Northland to support smaller regional ports

• A national digital port coordination platform, developed with PortConnect

Together, these investments are intended to strengthen the reliability and capacity of New Zealand’s coastal shipping system.

Coastal Shipping’s Role in the Freight Network

The Government says coastal shipping plays a crucial role in the country’s transport network, particularly for moving heavy and bulk goods such as containers, cement, and aggregates.

In addition to its logistical advantages, coastal shipping is considered a lower-emissions transport option compared with road freight.

Meager also highlighted the sector’s importance during emergencies and natural disasters.

“After Cyclone Gabrielle, coastal shipping delivered essential supplies to Tairāwhiti when land routes were severely constrained,” he said.

“These six investments build on that experience and help ensure we are better prepared for future events in practical, tangible ways.”

By strengthening maritime infrastructure, improving coordination, and supporting workforce development, the government aims to ensure coastal shipping remains a resilient and reliable part of New Zealand’s freight system.