Maritime Worker August 2022

IS THERE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE FUNNEL? RUSSELL MAYN—AUCKLAND BRANCH SECRETARY

Given the loss of the two New Zealand crewed Tankers, the announcement that Maersk will be placing the Maersk Nadi and the Maersk Nansha on the New Zealand Coast is indeed welcome news.

Both of these vessels will offer a dedicated New Zealand coastal container service, currently Swire’s have the MV Moana Chief operating as a New Zealand flagged vessel dedicated to containers.

Swire’s have also just announced the introduction of a further vessel to supplement the MV Moana Chief. This 1300 TEU vessel is due sometime around September this year. The introduction of this vessel has been made possible with the assistance of the Labour Government.

The Minister of Transport Michael Wood announced on 24 May that $30 million has been committed to coastal shipping through the National Land Transport Programme. The four successful applicants for this funding were Aotearoa Shipping Alliance, Coastal

Bulk Shipping Ltd, Move International Ltd and Swire Shipping NZ Ltd.

I cannot remember the last time new tonnage arrived on our doorstep. Finally Government, logistics companies and industry players have recognised the benefits that a vibrant, efficient well-resourced coastal shipping service can offer.

Coastal shipping can and will deliver an environmentally friendly option, we have no other option than to reduce carbon emissions and moving cargo by sea ticks all the boxes.

Not only are there the benefits to the environment but there is the long term sustainable benefits of a reliable, efficient sustainable transport mode that meets the test. No roads to maintain, able to function when natural disasters affect us, a future proofed service to move exports and imports across New Zealand.

The challenge for our industry is to make sure that we have fully trained seafarers going forward to man existing

and new vessels as current seafarers retire. This is a great opportunity for young Kiwi’s to have an opportunity to forge a future in the Maritime Industry.

We must thank the Labour Party as the first Government in recent times to take positive steps to rejuvenate the shipping industry in New Zealand, in saying that congratulations also need to go to the union for the campaign that has been put in place to bring this to fruition.

For the first time in many years there is light at the end of the funnel. The challenge for us is to make good on the progress to date, continue to lobby for extra tonnage and protections from unfair competition on the coast, and promote an international Kiwi based service so our exporters are not at the mercy of foreign policies and price gouging.