New Zealand coastal shipping operator Pacifica Shipping, a division of Swire Shipping, has expanded its service between Auckland and Christchurch with the launch of a twice-weekly schedule.
Starting on April 1, Takutai Chief will commence calling at Auckland on a fixed-day weekly rotation, operating in tandem with Moana Chief for a combined frequency of two sailings per week. This enhanced coastal service will double the frequency of sailings between Auckland and Lyttelton, and also coincides with an increase in calls at Marsden Point to a weekly frequency. This, Pacifica said, provides reliable domestic freight delivery and connections with international shipping services to offshore markets.
It added that the increased coastal shipping frequency and capacity enhances the resilience of New Zealand’s supply chains while reducing reliance on existing road and rail infrastructure. It also offers customers a more sustainable alternative, with a recent study by the University of Canterbury (supported by Swire Shipping) finding that coastal shipping produces one fifth of the carbon emissions (well-to-wheel) of road freight.
Jan-Hendrik Hintz, line manager at Pacifica Shipping, said: “Pacifica’s commitment to New Zealand’s supply chain is evident in our increased vessel sailing frequency. We prioritise safe, reliable, and efficient delivery solutions to bolster the resilience of this vital network. We aim to promote the ‘Blue Highway’ by positioning coastal shipping, New Zealand’s most sustainable transport solution, as the primary inter-island transport solution for heavy cargo.
“This will reduce the dependence on land transport for long-distance movement of heavy freight and offer businesses enhanced efficiency while actively contributing to a more sustainable future for New Zealand’s supply chain network.”
