NZX-listed Move Logistics has launched an inter-island cargo vessel, the first stage of its plan to develop a regular alternative coastal shipping service to help ease the supply chain squeeze.<\/p>\n
The New Plymouth-based company’s inaugural<\/span> sea venture was taking a load of locally-made water pipes from Whanganui to Canterbury in September on the chartered NZ-flagged vessel MV Anatoki.<\/span><\/p>\n Executive director Chris Dunphy said the trip took multiple heavy trucks off New Zealand’s roads, and signalled Move’s intention to develop a regular coastal freight service using secondary ports such as Whanganui, Nelson and New Plymouth.<\/p>\n “We believe regional development and infrastructure funds should be directed towards facilitating this initiative, and have opened conversations with the Government to that end,” he said.<\/p>\n Calls for Government backing for coastal shipping services have escalated since the Covid pandemic triggered a global shipping boom and soaring consumer demand for goods, resulting in a supply chain crisis with shipping delays, trebled freight costs, missed port calls and empty shelves for New Zealand retailers and manufacturers.<\/p>\n The Government has responded by including coastal shipping in its transport planning.<\/p>\n Dunphy said Move, until August known as TIL Logistics, was progressing towards lower carbon-emitting transport options for freight across the board.<\/p>\n The company, whose origins go back 150 years, last month announced its intention to raise around NZ$40 millionof new capital. Proceeds of the offer would provide balance sheet flexibility to allow Move to accelerate a brand refresh, complete a restructure and fund further capital initiatives, including in information technology, the company said at the time.<\/p>\n The offer would also enable it to modernise its fleet and enter into maritime and intermodal equipment leases.<\/p>\n Move said it will import New Zealand’s first hydrogen-powered trucks early next year.<\/p>\n “We’re moving towards a modally neutral model where we focus our energies on transport which has the least impact on the environment, whether that is shipping, trains or alternative-fuel trucks,” Dunphy said.<\/p>\n Move says it is one of the largest domestic freight and logistics businesses in New Zealand, with a nationwide network of branches, depots and warehouses. It operates through five divisions: freight, logistics and warehousing, fuel, international and specialist lifting and equipment.<\/p>\n