Ports and stevedoring industry

This sector incorporates port operations, cargo handling, log handling and the loading and unloading of ships.

Cargo handlers or stevedores are required to operate a wide variety of specialist cargo handling equipment and handle various types of cargo, such as containers and bulk goods. Examples of their work include:

• container packing and unpacking
• handling cargo on and off a ship
• receiving and delivering cargo (including documentation)
• cleaning wharves, equipment and spillages
• marshalling
• assisting in mooring operations.

Log handling is a specialised area that requires specific knowledge and skills.

Interesting facts about the industry:

• 99 percent of New Zealand's exports (25 million tonnes) and imports (around 16 million tonnes) are carried by sea
• New Zealand's 13 commercial ports are operated by independent port companies
• there are around 3,300 port calls from international trading ships each year
• nearly 5000 people are employed by stevedoring and ports companies.

Ports and stevedoring qualifications

For more information - industry profiles

Read our profiles of the ports and stevedoring industry. They are based on 2006 Census data. These profiles provide an insight into the unique characteristics of the industries we support.

Stevedoring and ports - industry profile [PDF: 2Mb, 37 pages]
Port and water transport terminal operations - industry profile [PDF: 782Kb, 22 pages]
Other water transport support services - industry profile [PDF: 510Kb, 21 pages]