Coastal Cargo Ship A Real Alternative for Gisborne

For immediate release

April 19, 2012

Coastal Cargo Ship A Real Alternative for Gisborne

A coastal cargo shipping service linking Gisborne with Napier and Tauranga ports would be a cost-effective alternative for the region’s import, export and domestic cargoes, according to the heads of at least two companies.

The sea freight idea has been mooted by Steve Chapman, chief executive of Pacifica Shipping, which operates vessels elsewhere on the New Zealand coast.

He says Gisborne has an “excellent little port” from which to base a dedicated coastal shipping service.

"The ideal ship is a self-loading container and general cargo carrier, connecting at least weekly with Hawke's Bay and Bay of Plenty.

Along with containers, it would carry bulk goods such as timber, wine and foodstuffs for domestic markets and for import/export transhipments."

Mr Chapman said such an initiative would cost very little compared to repair and maintenance bills for the region's land transport infrastructure.

"A suitable vessel on charter could be sourced and introduced that could substantially resolve freight connectivity issues.

The key issue is which parties are prepared to share the commercial risk of paying for ship delivery and commissioning costs?”

He feels it’s time for business interests in the region to look seriously at the idea, and combine resources to examine the potential benefits.

He says Pacifica could provide support for ship management, crewing and stevedoring, as it already does for its existing coastal vessels.

In the interim, there is a possibility of adding Eastland Port to a scheduled coastal service on a seasonal or permanent basis, with Pacifica Shipping already operating a number of services up and down the East Coast of New Zealand.

Matt Todd, chief executive of Eastland Group, which owns and operates Eastland Port, also sees strong possibilities for coastal shipping.

“The Gisborne district needs to have reliable cost-effective freight solutions and with road currently being the only transport option for many businesses, it is an appropriate time to have a look at coastal shipping,” says Mr Todd.”This may require additional investment in shore facilities and perhaps cranes over time, but that’s fine, provided the demand is there,” he says.

“In the last week we have had a coastal vessel arrive delivering fertiliser to Gisborne and the vessel is scheduled for a number more trips. Clearly coastal shipping can quickly step up and fill a need if required, but has the benefit of being able to be switched on and off to some degree to meet demand. An added bonus is that coastal shipping lanes don’t require any maintenance.”

Eastland Port is hopeful of working with Pacifica to meet regional customers transport needs, something that may take on added importance if the decision is made not to repair the railway line.

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