Strait Shipping Sets Sail On New Coastal Route

Strait Shipping Sets Sail On New Coastal Route

Strait Shipping will next week extend its coastal freight service to include the Port of Napier providing New Zealand's first sea freight link between Nelson and Napier.

The company's freight only vessel, the Kent, will begin a scheduled weekly service between Wellington and Napier on 29 January, as an extension of its existing service between the capital and Nelson and Picton.

Strait Shipping managing director Sheryl Ellison says the new coastal route will provide a valuable service for the Hawke's Bay region and represents Strait Shipping's commitment to the future development of coastal shipping in New Zealand.

"This new service will provide shippers with an efficient method of transporting containers and roll on roll off cargo between the ports of Nelson, Wellington, Picton and Napier. We are extremely positive about the move and Port of Napier has been very proactive in helping make this happen for its region."

Ms Ellison says coastal shipping meets all objectives of the national transport strategy for an integrated transport system that is safe, responsive and sustainable.

"New Zealand needs a truly inter-modal transport system and shipping provides a way forward that has low emissions, low carbon and is more fuel efficient than any other mode."

Strait Shipping has operated a scheduled service from Wellington to Nelson for the past 12 years. With predominantly containerised freight, the Kent also ships break-bulk and ro-ro cargoes.

Strait Shipping is a New Zealand owned company established in 1992. As well as the Kent, Strait Shipping operates two other vessels carrying passengers and freight between Picton and Wellington through its Bluebridge brand.

ENDS

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