NEW Zealand freight transport and warehousing company Move Logistics Group is working towards acquiring a methanol-powered ro-ro vessel to be deployed on coastal routes.
Earlier this year, Move secured NZ$10 million in co-investment funds from transport agency Waka Kotahi to support coastal shipping initiatives that improve the competitiveness of domestic coastal shipping, reduce freight sector greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience.
According to Move, Waka Kotahi has endorsed the proposal for the ro-ro vessel design, which includes a methanol tank and pipework installation during construction. This ensures the new vessel is ready for the swap-in of carbon-friendly methanol powered engines as they become available, Move said.
Move executive director Chris Dunphy said the company is committed to decarbonising its freight and logistics activities.
“Our decision to invest alongside Waka Kotahi demonstrates the very real nature of how a former trucking company can become truly multi-modal and offer resilience to our clients via coastal shipping,” he said.
A statement from Move said the new vessel will be able to call into at least 13 New Zealand ports without the need for any new port infrastructure to be built. The vessel will initially operate three sailings a week between Nelson and New Plymouth and provide an additional sea bridge between the North and South Islands.
Move Oceans general manager Dale Slade said the expansion of coastal shipping will be transformative for the economies of regional New Zealand.
“This new vessel will not only provide a reliable mode of transport, but operational efficiencies will also amplify the carbon reduction efforts of Move and Waka Kotahi,” he said.
