Napier Port facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Napier port |
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| Location | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Location | Hawke's Bay |
| Coordinates | 39°28′29″S 176°55′09″E / 39.4748°S 176.9191°E |
| Details | |
| Available berths | 5 |
| Draft depth | 12.4 m. |
Napier Port is a busy port located in Napier, New Zealand. It sits on the coast of Hawke Bay. This port is very important for the North Island, as it's the second largest port for sending out goods by weight. It is owned by a company called Port of Napier Ltd.
The port is also connected to New Zealand's train system. This connection helps move goods easily to and from ships.
What is Napier Port?
Napier Port is a key place where ships come and go. It helps connect the Hawke's Bay region to the rest of the world. The port handles many different types of cargo. It also welcomes many large passenger ships.
A Hub for Ships
Many cruise ships visit Napier Port every year. These huge ships bring thousands of tourists to the region. On February 16, 2008, the port welcomed the MS Queen Victoria. This was the longest ship it had ever seen at that time.
Later, on December 15, 2014, the MS Voyager of the Seas visited. This ship was very large, weighing 138,194 tonnes. It was one of the biggest passenger ships in the world back then. On January 5, 2017, the port hosted the MS Ovation of the Seas. This ship was the world's third largest cruise ship at the time, weighing 168,666 tonnes.
Moving Goods and Produce
Napier Port plays a big role in exporting goods from the Hawke's Bay area. The nearby Hastings District grows many fruits like apples, pears, and stone fruits. It also produces a lot of grapes for wine. All these products are sent from the farms to Napier Port. From there, they are loaded onto ships and sent to other countries.
In 2015, the port handled 157,700 containers. This was about 9% of all containers moved through New Zealand's ports. It handles more containers than the ports in Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth combined. This makes it the fourth busiest container port in the country.
How the Port Grew
The port wasn't always in its current spot. In January 1885, people voted to move the port. They decided to build it where it is now, under Bluff Hill. A special wall, called a breakwater, was finished in 1886. This wall helps protect the harbor from waves.
In 1994, a special area for containers was built. This helped the port handle more goods. The port has continued to grow over the years. In early 2016, plans were made for a new wharf. This new wharf will cost about $50 million New Zealand dollars. It will be the biggest project the port has ever done. This new wharf will help the port handle even more ships and goods in the future.
