18 Jun 2021

Freight forwarding group respond to automation halt at Auckland port

From Checkpoint, 6:07 pm on 18 June 2021

Safety concerns have forced Ports of Auckland to suspend its automation progamme, after it lost control of a massive robotic straddle carrier that moves around shipping containers.

In a statement it says a software fault saw the 70-tonne machine smacked one container into a stack of others.

No one was hurt in the incident but programmes are suspended pending further investigation.

The Port says it is increasing manual operations to keep freight moving.

The beleaguered ports have been under the microscope over serious safety concerns and delays unloading freight.

Chris Edwards from Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation talks to Lisa Owen.