97 percent of NZ trade is transported by ship, and going up

97 percent of NZ trade is transported by ship, and going up

23 June 2016

“The maritime industry is indispensable to New Zealand,” Director of Maritime New Zealand, Keith Manch said today.

“At least 97 percent of our trade is transported by sea – it is the crucial lifeline for our economy and way of life.

“We are an island nation that is distant from the rest of the world and almost wholly dependent on efficient, competitive shipping to carry our trade. Without it, our country simply could not function.”

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is promoting the global significance of shipping by marking the Day of the Seafarer, June 25, with an online campaign#AtSeaForAll. Maritime NZ is promoting #AtSeaForAll on its social media.

Globally, shipping is increasing – already 80 percent of the world’s trade is by ship. Each year that is more than 12 billion tonnes of goods, shipped by 1.5 million seafarers on 50,000 merchant ships.

Without shipping the import and export of goods on the scale necessary to sustain the modern world would not be possible.

“We are also planning a national maritime industry forum for September 2,” Mr Manch said. “It will bring together key players across our industry to consider domestic and international challenges and opportunities.”

One of the challenges is also an opportunity for New Zealanders to work internationally. That is, worldwide the seafaring work force is rapidly aging but the industry is increasing. Globally, shortages of over 92,000 ships’ officers are expected by 2020.

“Shipping does not happen without qualified, competent seafarers and New Zealand seafarers are internationally respected and sought after. The qualifications they earn here are internationally transferrable and well-regarded by employers.

“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.”

Some NZ maritime facts – each year:

• 97 percent of our trade is transported by ship

• Foreign cargo vessels make almost 5,000 visits to our ports

• 11.4 million tonnes of oil and 4 million tonnes of freight are transported around our coastline

• Cruise ships make over 500 visits to our ports

• 5 million passengers use harbour and Cook Strait ferries

• More than 1,500 commercial fishing boats generate $1.6 billion in export earnings

Twitter “Maritime New Zealand” https://twitter.com/maritimenz

Facebook “Maritime NZ” https://www.facebook.com/MaritimeNZ/?fref=ts

ENDS

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