Sea Change strategy a positive step: Maersk

Sea Change strategy a positive step: Maersk

Sea Change, the government's draft coastal shipping strategy, is a good step towards the development of a truly integrated supply chain, Maersk New Zealand Managing Director Tony Gibson said today.

Mr Gibson said Maersk has long called for importers and exporters, transport and supply chain providers, and government agencies to work together in order to achieve optimum supply chain efficiency.

"Our focus has long been on lowering supply chain costs for New Zealand's exporters. We see that as the key to the long-term competitiveness of New Zealand commodities in global markets," said Mr Gibson.

Mr Gibson said coherent co-ordination between land transport modes and regional and central government had been a missing link in New Zealand's supply chain, but the Sea Change strategy showed a willingness to address that lack.

"Maersk's interests are totally aligned with those of New Zealand. We have a strong commitment to this part of the world, and the more successful New Zealand's exporters are the more successful we will be. Working together is essential if we are to achieve all that we are capable of.

"To take one example, the partnership between Toll, Fonterra and ourselves at Te Rapa has created an asset that not only helps us three to do business more effectively, but also forms the basis of a valuable asset for the whole region. The more Crawford Streets we can help create throughout New Zealand the better," said Mr Gibson.

Mr Gibson said the Sea Change strategy also recognised what he considered three of the major issues facing the container industry in New Zealand: the greater use of hub ports, which was essential if Maersk's Oceania operations were to remain viable in the long term, and the associated extra demand on road, rail and coastal shipping networks; the need to ensure good people were attracted to the industry and able to access suitable training; and the need for the industry to continue to work towards true environmental sustainability.

"We look forward to working with the Maritime Liaison Unit and other participants to develop a coastal shipping strategy that plays a full part in delivering a truly integrated supply chain; a supply chain that best serves the interests of the whole New Zealand economy."

ENDS

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