The Maritime Union says the Government’s announcement
today of major investment in rail is a positive move, and is
urging more action on coastal shipping.
Maritime Union
of New Zealand National Secretary Craig Harrison says the
Government’s approach of long-term investment was the
correct one and showed vision for the future.
“For
decades, transport policy has been dominated by short-term
thinking and vested interests. We now have an opportunity to
move towards an efficient, integrated multi-modal transport
system for the 21st century.”
The integration of
different transport modes around New Zealand ports was an
urgent requirement.
Mr Harrison says the benefits of a
low carbon footprint and supply chain resilience are strong
factors in favour of coastal shipping.
He says
revitalised coastal shipping on the ‘blue highway’ would
complement rail and road, linking regional ports with
international cargo hubs.
“Coastal shipping is the
missing part of the jigsaw in our transport mix.”
Mr
Harrison says the Government has committed to rebuilding New
Zealand coastal shipping, and it needed to keep up the
momentum by acting soon.
Key reforms required were
changing the Maritime Transport Act to provide a level
playing field for New Zealand shipping against global
operators, and training and development for a maritime
workforce.
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