Fiji connection to NZ ports
MAERSK, one of the largest integrated logistics company in the world, this month has made a significant return to operating their own vessels in Fiji.
This is after a break of seven years.
The dedicated Fiji service will provide customers with a weekly service from Suva and Lautoka connecting with the New Zealand hub ports of Auckland and Tauranga.
The service will also include new direct access from New Zealand coastal ports in the South Island; Timaru, Lyttleton and Nelson from where much of New Zealand's fresh produce and meat products are exported.
Maersk being represented in Fiji by the Shipping Services (Fiji) Pte Ltd (SSFL) is making a significant return to operating their own vessel into Fiji by committing two relatively large feeder vessels.
According to SSFL, Maersk will operate two 2500 twenty-foot container capacity vessels between Suva, Lautoka Auckland, Tauranga, Nelson, Timaru and Lyttleton.
Auckland-based head of market for Maersk Oceania, Therese Blank said the new Sirius Star schedule is an important component of the overall Maersk Oceania service.
Ms Blank said its main drive was to carry cargo between the Pacific, New Zealand and the world via transshipment hubs Tauranga and Auckland.
The first of the two vessels, the Seaspan Hannover made her inaugural call of the service into Suva last week.
Fiji Ports Terminal Ltd CEO Hasthika Dela said it was significant to have Maersk back calling at Fiji ports.
He hopes that Maersk will not only ship more cargo to and from Fiji, but also increase competition in the market.
Shipping Services (Fiji) Pte Ltd CEO Jeffrey Lin said the introduction of the service is significant at this time due to the congestive issues in world trade as a result of COVID-19 that was worsened by the blockage of the Suez Canal last month.
Mr Lin said against that backdrop, Maersk had reacted to the call of customers for regularity in the shipping schedules and more capacity which would enable Fiji exporters and importers to better plan and execute their shipping requirements.
The two vessels will operate in a combined weekly service between New Zealand and Fiji with the vessel Capitaine Tasman which is operated by Neptune Pacific Direct Line.
The second vessel in the service has been re-named the Maersk Nadi and is due to call into Fiji today.