Opening up freight routes for East Coast businesses
March 3rd, 2023
With damage to road and rail networks restricting the flow of cargo, Napier Port is supporting Eastland Port in Gisborne to start a coastal shipping route on the East Coast, says Chief Executive Todd Dawson.
“The partnership would see Napier Port use a coastal vessel to supply containers to Eastland Port for exporters to load with freight, which would then be coastal shipped back to Napier Port for export.
“This gives businesses on the East Coast an opportunity to export their products, that currently they are struggling to get to market due to the condition of road and rail infrastructure.
“Moving cargo along the coast by shipping would also reduce the pressure on the transport network that is vulnerable at this time.” Mr Dawson said.
If approved, the new service would initially run twice weekly with the 67-metre long vessel, Rangitata, being considered as the charter vessel. The Rangitata is a general cargo ship that is able to accommodate refrigerated cargo, such as meat and produce.
Mr Dawson said the coastal service could also be used to move supplies between Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne for domestic use, as well as export.
Mr Dawson said: “Napier Port returned to full operations fairly promptly after Cyclone Gabrielle, following only minor damage. Extended operating hours are also currently in place and reviewed weekly based on customer requirements. The extended hours are another way we are trying to ease congestion on the road network and support growers moving into peak season for produce exports.”
Ends
About Napier Port
Napier Port is New Zealand’s fourth largest port by container volume. We are the gateway for Hawke’s Bay and lower North Island’s exports and operate a long-term regional infrastructure asset that supports the regional economy. Our strategic purpose is to collaborate with the people and organisations that have a stake in helping our region grow.
At the United Nations summit meeting in September 2015, world leaders adopted 17 global goals (and 169 targets) as a set of universal goals that aim to address the urgent environmental, political and economic challenges facing our world. These are known as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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