Port of Auckland CEO Fined in Landmark Maritime Safety Case

Former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson has been fined $190,000 NZ for his role in a fatal 2020 incident at a container terminal—a landmark case that sets a precedent for maritime safety accountability in New Zealand. 

The sentencing, which took place on Friday, marks the first time an officer of a large company in New Zealand has been convicted of breaching due diligence duty.

The case stems from the tragic death of stevedore Pala’amo Kalati in August 2020 at the Fergusson Container Terminal. The incident occurred when a container accidentally detached and fell while workers were discharging cargo from the MV Constantinos P.

Gibson, who led the port for more than a decade, was found guilty by Judge B…