Port of Tauranga paid tribute to logistics industry figure Simon Tapper today as it announced the purchase of Tapper Transport for $15 million.

Mr Tapper died yesterday after a period of ill health.

Aucklanders are familiar with the Tapper Transport business even though it is a privately owned company as its trucks shuttle freight between Ports of Auckland and Tapper Transport's container freight station at Onehunga.

Ports of Auckland managing director Jens Madsen said today Mr Tapper's death was sad news.

Port of Tauranga’s announcement today that it had bought Auckland firm Tapper Transport for $15 million came with a touch of tragedy after the death of one of the trucking company’s founders.

The announcement comes a day after Tapper Transport director Simon Tapper died after a period of ill health.

The port said it was Mr Tapper’s wish to proceed with the announcement, as he had regarded it as “perfect closure” for a career in the freight business that he was so passionate about.