New Zealand’s Move Logistics Group says that procurement has been approved, and a project is now underway, for a new methanol-ready coastal freight vessel.
Having secured NZ$ 10m in co-investment funds from transport agency Waka Kotahi to support coastal shipping initiatives, Move is hoping to improve the competitiveness of domestic coastal shipping, reduce freight sector GHG emissions and enhance resilience.
Waka Kotahi has endorsed the proposal by Move for its ro-ro vessel design that includes a methanol tank and pipework installation during construction. This ensures the new vessel is ready for the swap-in of carbon-friendly methanol powered engines as they become available.
Move Executive Director Chris Dunphy said: “Move is committed to decarbonisation of freight and logistics activities. Our decision to invest alongside Waka Kotahi demonstrates the very real nature of how a former trucking company can become truly multi-modal and offer resilience to our clients via coastal shipping.”
The new ro-ro vessel will be able to berth wheeled cargo into at least 13 New Zealand ports, without the need for any new port infrastructure to be built. The vessel will initially operate three sailings a week between Nelson and New Plymouth and provide an additional sea bridge between the North and South Islands.
GM Move Oceans, Dale Slade said: “This new vessel will not only provide a reliable mode of transport, but operational efficiencies will also amplify the carbon reduction efforts of MOVE and Waka Kotahi. The expansion of coastal shipping will be transformative for the economies of regional New Zealand.”
Move has championed an Ocean strategy to improve the resilience of domestic freight service platforms and seeks to lead the way in reducing the carbon impact of the New Zealand freight transport sector.
