The reopening of the Tawhai Tunnel has boosted coal movements from the West Coast. The tunnel, which was closed for repairs, reopened on January 12, 2025, allowing more freight trains to operate and helping to clear the backlog of export coal for customers.

The tunnel, which was closed for repairs, reopened on January 12, 2025, allowing more freight trains to operate and helping to clear the backlog of export coal for customers.

LPC’s Chief Customer and Supply Chain Officer Simon Munt said the closure of the tunnel had an impact on coal exports from the West Coast in the first half of the financial year.

“The closure resulted in a reduction in the volume of West Coast coal exports arriving at the port. While this had a short-term impact in the first half of the financial year, we anticipate that the tunnel’s return to operation will see a recovery in volume in the second half of the financial year,” Simon said.

With the Tawhai Tunnel now open, 25 trains a week are expected through the Port over the coming months.