AIMAN AMERUL MUNER/Stuff
PrimePort Timaru is ready to move more containers on the “blue highway” through a new coastal shipping service.
A new coastal container shipping service that will include Timaru’s PrimePort is predicted to open up more options for South Canterbury importers and exporters and potentially reduce supply chain costs.
The service, to be called the Maersk Coastal Connect, will consist of two 2500 TEU (20-foot equivalent container) capacity vessels –Maersk Nadi and Maersk Nansha – stopping weekly in Timaru as well as Tauranga and Lyttelton, with fortnightly stops in Nelson and Auckland.
“(It) should open up more options for our local importers and exporters, of containerised products, and has the potential to reduce their overall supply chain costs,” PrimePort chief executive Phil Melhopt said.
“This service will provide South Canterbury importers and exporters, through the Timaru Container Terminal Ltd, with a dedicated and reliable coastal connection to Port of Tauranga and other ports.”
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Melhopt said the use of the “blue highway” instead of relying solely on road transportation has the benefits of less traffic congestion, safer roads and reduced carbon emissions.
“More containers through Timaru on the blue highway and less on the road to Christchurch or Dunedin is a good thing.”
AIMAN AMERUL MUNER/Stuff
Cargo containers stacked at PrimePort Timaru. Photo taken June 15, 2022.
The first visit of the vessels will be the Nansha on July 12 from Nelson before heading to Lyttleton, Nelson, Tauranga and back to Timaru on July 26. The Nadi’s first Timaru visit will be July 19 from Tauranga before heading to Lyttleton, Auckland, Tauranga and back to Timaru to August 2.
The decision by Maersk comes in addition to the Government’s promised $30 million investment into coastal shipping through the National Land Transport Programme.
Bejon Haswell/Stuff
PrimePort Timaru chief executive Phil Melhopt thinks a new coastal container shipping service could reduce supply chain costs. (File photo)
This funding will be invested into four suppliers and each of these selected suppliers will bring one coastal shipping vessel into service in New Zealand.
The overall aim is to improve domestic shipping services, reduce emissions, improve efficiency and upgrade maritime infrastructure.
The Government announced last month the preferred suppliers were Coastal Bulk Shipping, Move International, Swire Shipping and Aotearoa Shipping Alliance.
AIMAN AMERUL MUNER/Stuff
PrimePort Timaru is ready for a new coastal shipping service.
Maritime Union of New Zealand national secretary Craig Harrison supports both the Government programme as well as Maersk’s service, calling it a “breakthrough for New Zealand shipping.”
“Coastal shipping is an essential part of a resilient and low emission New Zealand supply chain moving forward.”
“Poor policy decisions and lack of planning over a long period led to the rundown of New Zealand shipping and left us exposed and vulnerable to global volatility.”
“The last two years have led to a complete rethink on our transport model and New Zealand coastal shipping is now in a rebuild process to repair the neglect of the last 30 years.”
