Globally, shipping moves 80% of the world’s trade, and 97% of New Zealand’s trade, but an aging workforce of ships officers presents both a threat and an opportunity for Kiwis says Maritime New Zealand.
Director of Maritime New Zealand, Keith Manch says shipping is the crucial lifeline for the New Zealand economy and way of life.
“Worldwide the seafaring workforce is rapidly aging, but the industry is increasing. Globally, shortages of more than 92,000 ships’ officers are expected by 2020,” says Maritime New Zealand director Keith Manch.
“Shipping does not happen without qualified, competent seafarers and New Zealand sailors are internationally respected and sought after. The qualifications they earn here are internationally transferrable and well-regarded by employers,” says Manch.
Shipping is increasing globally – already 80 percent of the world’s trade is by ship. Each year, more than 12 billion tonnes of goods, are shipped by 1.5 million seafarers on 50,000 merchant ships.
“We are planning a national maritime industry forum for September 2,” says Manch.
“It will bring together key players from our industry to consider domestic and international challenges and opportunities,” he says.
“Overall, I believe we have an important job to do promoting the maritime sector and helping people understand the opportunities it brings for New Zealand and New Zealanders,”
According to Maritime New Zealand, foreign cargo vessels make almost 5,000 visits to New Zealand ports and 11.4 million tonnes of oil and 4 million tonnes of freight ship around the coastline.
Also, cruise ships make more than 500 visits to New Zealand ports and more than 5 million passengers use harbour and Cook Strait ferries.
More than 1,500 commercial fishing boats generate $1.6 billion in export earnings says Maritime New Zealand.
