Bulk chemical logistics in New Zealand : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Professional Studies at Lincoln University

Abstract

The dairy, forestry and some manufacturing industries are dependant on the supply of liquid chemicals. Over 216,000 tonnes of chemicals were imported into New Zealand in 2003, Statistics New Zealand (2003).

Facilities for storing bulk liquids are located at ten of the thirteen commercial ports in New Zealand. Six of these locations are import ports for bulk liquid chemicals. Dedicated pipelines and tanks are essential along with robust management techniques for some of these potentially dangerous chemicals.

Three of the ports import chemicals for the manufacturing sector and are a located in the North Island. The economics of these facilities are not necessarily in harmony with the location of the industries they service. The purpose of this study was to establish a relocation model to assist in assessing the rationale of consolidating manufacturing bulk liquid imports at one port in the North Island.

Assessing the results from the model indicate that it can form the basis for a business case. More accurate information would be required to develop a sound economic business model.