CentrePort Wellington recorded a sharp increase in container traffic during the 2026 financial year, with volumes rising 69% to 145,155 TEUs.
The growth followed the introduction of new weekly shipping services, including MSC Eagle from February 2026 and COSCO/OOCL’s weekly ANE service. CentrePort said the additional connections are strengthening Wellington’s role in New Zealand’s container supply chain.
Full container exports increased 31% during FY26, while full imports rose 4%. The port said its expanding liner connections have helped establish CentrePort as a container hub for the region.
“The arrival of new MSC services, alongside the addition of COSCO/OOCL’s weekly ANE service, and our existing Asian services, underscores the confidence global shipping lines have in our capability and operations,” said CentrePort Chief Executive Anthony Delaney.
Beyond containers, log exports reached 1.89 million JAS, up 2% from FY25. Petroleum imports also increased 5% despite disruption in global fuel markets.
The increase in cargo activity also supported CentrePort’s financial performance. Underlying net profit after tax rose 19% to NZ$20.9 million, an increase of NZ$3.3 million from the previous financial year.
Net revenue increased 16% year-on-year, while EBITDA rose 32%. The port’s EBITDA margin improved to 35% from 31% in the previous year.
CentrePort also invested NZ$39.7 million in port infrastructure and assets during FY26 as it prepares for further cargo growth. Net assets reached NZ$525.7 million.
CentrePort said it continues to add capacity and capability as cargo activity expands. The company hired 51 additional employees during the financial year to support growing business requirements.
The port expects its growing container operations, together with established log, fuel and other cargo activities, to strengthen Wellington’s position in New Zealand’s freight network.
