ZIM is doubling the frequency of Port Chalmers calls on its New Zealand to Australia (N2A) shipping service.
Zim launched the trans-Tasman service in April 2021. Zim introduced a fortnightly Port Chalmers call in January this year but is upgrading the service to call the port weekly, effective this week.
Port Otago said the change responds to demand from exporters on New Zealand’s South Island. Port Otago commercial manager Craig Usher welcomed the change.
“We knew a weekly service was a possibility, in time. But we’re delighted that it has happened so quickly – within four short months of the service launching,” he said.
“We are still in our peak export season, so the timing is ideal for our region’s exporters. They’ve appreciated and supported the new service since it began.
“Doubling the number of calls is just what we need. It’s great news. And it’s not just exporters. Our importers have also embraced the service.”
Zim New Zealand managing director David Mitchell said attributed the upgrade decision to support from Otago and Southland exporters.
“Optimising shipping routes is in everyone’s best interest – importers, exporters, shipping lines, ports and end consumers,” he said.
“We pride ourselves on being an agile company and our decision to call Port Chalmers weekly is a great example of how quickly we can meet market demand.”
Mr Mitchell said the weekly call is a permanent fixture, rather than being limited to the export season.
The N2A will call New Zealand weekly with alternating fortnightly calls into Tauranga and Napier.
From May, the service rotation will include Auckland, Tauranga/Napier, Lyttelton, Port Chalmers, Melbourne and Sydney.
