A KIWI logistics company has acquired a general cargo ship to launch a new trans-Tasman service later this year.
Move Logistics has entered an agreement to acquire a vessel, Atlas Wind (IMO 9126704). The vessel is a geared general cargo ship flagged in Malta. It was built in 1997 and has a cargo capacity of 5196 DWT tonnes. It is 100.62 metres in length and 16.2 metres in length.
Move Logistics said its new trans-Tasman service will call regional New Zealand ports including Bluff, Nelson, New Plymouth and Timaru. And in Australia, the company said the service would visit ports in Tasmania and “other east-coast ports in Australia”.
Dale Slade, general manager of Move Logistics’ ocean business, said the new service would allow the company to offer a “true door-to-door supply chain”.
“While the aquaculture industry has been first off the mark to recognise the value of a direct, regional trans-Tasman shipping route, we have also received commitments and strong interest from a range of other businesses,” he said.
“New Zealand’s regional businesses make up the backbone of our economy; we are delighted to be able to provide further support for their growth and success through the new Move Oceans offer.”
One of Move Logistics’ customers, BioMar Australia, said it would use the direct service to ship fish feed from Tasmania to aquaculture businesses in New Zealand.
BioMar CEO David Whyte said his company had worked in partnership with Move on the new service, which he said would benefit other Tasmanian businesses as well.
“Not only does this new direct service make for a faster, cheaper and ultimately more efficient supply chain, having one trusted logistics partner also reduces complexity and risk for our business,” he said.
