LODESTAR and Swire Shipping have announced a joint breakbulk shipping service between New Zealand and North Asia.
Lodestar is the logistics and shipping division of Oji Fibre Solutions, while Swire Shipping is the liner shipping division of The China Navigation Company.
The new service is to provide a monthly frequency carrying pulp, timber and forest product-related cargo.
The two New Zealand ports are Napier and Tauranga, while the main Asian ports are Incheon (Korea), Qingdao (China), Lianyungang (China), Onsan (Korea), Tomakomai (Japan) and Kaohsiung (Taiwan).
A total of three Saiki class 38,000 dwt bulkers are deployed in the service, MV Glorious Saiki, MV Furness Portland, and MV Furness Southern Cross.
The service remains subject to regulatory approval.
“Lodestar seeks to provide cost effective shipping solutions that enable our customers to gain a high degree of confidence that their products will be delivered on time and in prime condition,” said Murray Horne, general manager, Lodestar.
“We are excited to journey on this partnership with Swire, and confident we can grow and develop our businesses together in the future.
“Lodestar remains in a strong position to continue to deliver high-quality shipping and logistics solutions for Oji Fibre Solutions in New Zealand, as well as for our growing third-party customer base.”
Swire Shipping general manager projects Chris Blake said the partnership with Lodestar reinforced their focus on delivering quality and sustainable shipping services.
“The service will be the foundation for future innovative solutions, to service New Zealand import and export cargoes,” Mr Blake said.
“It also underpins our commitment to growing the shipping industry in New Zealand through strategic tie-ups with like-minded partners, offering bigger ships.”
