Transport firm Move Logistics Group is taking a significant step in its new oceans business with its first trans-Tasman sailing scheduled for later this year.
The company has entered an agreement to acquire a vessel, the Atlas Wind, out of Europe and it’s expected the acquisition will be completed in October.
The Atlas Wind can carry 350 containers, or the equivalent of 5000 tonnes of bulk cargo. With two cranes on board, the vessel has the ability to call into ports that historically may not have been able to accept containerised and bulk cargoes.
The maiden journey will be the first of a regular monthly voyage that will see goods shipped between regional New Zealand ports including Nelson, Timaru, New Plymouth and Bluff, across the Tasman to Tasmania and other east coast ports in Australia.
For some of these regions, the Move service will be the only direct ship route, while in other regions, it will provide a further option for customers currently facing shipping constraints and difficulties.
Cornerstone customer BioMar Australia will be utilising the direct service to ship its high-performance fish feed from Tasmania to key aquaculture businesses in New Zealand.
Its chief executive David Whyte says his team worked in partnership with Move to create the innovative logistics solution.
“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.
“We will be utilising Move’s extensive network to deliver our products to customers once they reach New Zealand’s shores,” Whyte says.
Move oceans general manager Dale Slade says the aquaculture industry has been first off the mark but there has been strong interest from a range of other businesses for the service.
“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.
“This unique new service allows Move to offer a true door to door supply chain, transporting customers’ goods from our vessels to trucks and into Move warehousing before final mile delivery,” Slade says.
