News
CentrePort continues to power ahead with energy transition
16 April 2026
CentrePort continues to power ahead with its energy transition, having recently completed upgrades to core backbone electrical infrastructure.
The work involved installing four new switchboards into CentrePort’s Substation C. Wider seismic upgrades were also completed to the substation building.
Chief Executive Anthony Delaney said this work is critical to ensuring power is distributed across the port to where it’s needed.
“This substation is at the heart of our operation. It may not sound or look like much to some people, but without it, there’d be no power for refrigerated containers anywhere on the port. At a time when we’ve increased our reefer capacity for new shipping services coming to Wellington, that would be a huge problem. The new switchboards also pave the way for the next step in our energy journey; a pilot Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) also being constructed within Substation C."
Similar switchboard upgrades are also planned at other substations to enable more solar panels to be installed, and for Shore Power to be enabled for the Kokako bunker barge. All this comes together to improve our energy system resilience.”
Mr Delaney says only two switchboards were originally needed, but looking ahead it made sense for CentrePort to invest in an additional two on top of that.
“The switchboards are backbone infrastructure. They ensure our customers get what they need in terms of goods being securely stored and then delivered in the right condition to market.”
Mr Delaney commended CentrePort’s Engineering and Maintenance team for their work on the new switchboards, saying they are as important as the work itself.
“They are the team who made it happen and underpin a lot of our efficiency because they make sure the power keeps running for things like our cranes and reefer stacks. There’s a lot more electrical work here on the port than people may realise.”
ENDS
For queries, please contact:
Andree Kai Fong
CentrePort Communications and Engagement Manager
