Global marine services provider ASP Ships Group (ASP) has taken up a 50% shareholding in New Zealand-based Coastal Bulk Shipping (CBS).
CBS owns and operates the MV Anatoki, a 820 deadweight tonnage general and bulk cargo vessel that has operated around the New Zealand coast since 2008.
CBS general manager Doug Smith says the deal with ASP will lead to new opportunities in developing the NZ coastal bulk shipping trades.
“With ASP as a major shareholder CBS will have important and key access to a strong network of marine logistics, ship management and technical support services through ASP’s network of offices in New Zealand, Australia and worldwide.”
ASP Ships chief executive David Borcoski says the acquisition “is a strategic one” with the two companies combining their core strengths.
“Coastal shipping is an environmentally friendly transport mode on a tonne/kilometre basis and we will work closely with current and future customers to provide both a resilient and an environmental friendly footprint to their bulk shipping task,” Borcoski says.
Due to its size, the MV Anatoki is able to navigate shallow harbours such as Wanganui, Westport and Greymouth.
It allows the vessel to pick up and discharge cargo closer to the destination and provide clients with efficiencies through moving freight by sea.
ASP Ships has a focus on Australia, New Zealand and Asian regions. It currently operates in New Zealand through wholly owned subsidiary Silver Fern Shipping based in Wellington.
It also operates two MR tankers for Coastal Oil Logistics which distributes petroleum products from the NZ Refinery at Marsden Point around the New Zealand coast.
