Coastal shipping around New Zealand has been strengthened this month with the arrival of WMS Group-owned ship, Manahau, which berths at Westport this week.
The Manahau arrived in New Zealand waters on 22 July from Indonesia, and has been in Nelson completing certifications and inspections before heading to Westport this week.
WMS Group managing director Ray Mudgway said the ship’s arrival in New Zealand heralded a new era for the country’s coastal trade.
“Coastal shipping of bulk commodities on this scale hasn’t existed in New Zealand and our mineral sands is the cornerstone cargo that has made this investment possible” said Mr Mudgway. “We’ve invested heavily to ensure the vessel and operation is world class and a game changer for New Zealand.”
“The Manahau is filling a unique gap in coastal shipping. The capability she provides will build a much stronger and more resilient international and domestic supply chain for the country.
Mr Mudgway said WMS Group is working with a number of councils and private businesses who plan to use Manahau to move bulk commodities around New Zealand.
“This is particularly significant for national roading and other large infrastructure projects,” said Mr Mudgway. “The bulk materials these projects require, such as hard rock and aggregate, is moved primarily on trucks around the country. Now we have a lower emission, lower cost option for New Zealand infrastructure projects.
Stranded assets, such as pine forests and aggregates become economically viable resources for communities as a result of the Manahau’s capability, Mr Mudgway said. “The Manahau provides access in and out of smaller regional ports and rivers, at a capacity no other vessel in New Zealand can achieve.
“Coastal shipping, and the capability a ship like the Manahau provides, is a driver of economic growth for our regions. It’s introducing new freight options for bulk goods from our regions and improving emergency resilience in times of natural disaster when road and rail connections around the coast are not usable.
“Over the coming week we will be doing a few crossings of the bar to ensure our crew are familiar with the local conditions, then we will start shipping operations. The first load will be mineral sands from Westport to our customers in Asia.”
