Zespri backs call for bigger ships | Rural

Zespri has welcomed the release of the New Zealand Shippers' Council report calling on New Zealand to accommodate bigger ships.

Zespri shipping manager Mike Knowles said: "Upgrading New Zealand shipping ports to accommodate bigger ships will be the deciding factor in international supply chain efficiencies for New Zealand export industries."

The report recommends key infrastructure initiatives that will provide New Zealand with a competitive advantage and supply chain efficiencies.

"For a country whose wealth is based on the success of our export industries, New Zealand must remain internationally competitive," said Mr Knowles. "The strategic development of a North and South Island port to accommodate bigger container ships is imperative to long-term export growth and success.

"We cannot afford to turn these ships away from our ports and risk having our shipping services become increasingly 'boutique' in nature using older and smaller ships to get our products to key global markets.

"The introduction of bigger ships to our existing supply chain arrangements, offers us a viable and cost efficient method of meeting the growing demand for our products into Asia and other markets.

"Not only would we be able to ship more Zespri kiwifruit at one time, but we would be able to reduce carbon emissions and further reduce our carbon footprint."