New Zealand-based transport and logistics group MOVE Logistics Group Limited has established its first trans-Tasman shipping line, scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2022, as part of its new Oceans business.
In line with this, MOVE has entered into an agreement to acquire Atlas Wind in Europe.
The acquisition is expected to be completed in October 2022. Atlas Wind can carry 350 containers or the equivalent of 5,000 tonnes of bulk cargo. The company said that with two cranes on board, the vessel can call at ports that historically could not accept container and bulk cargoes.
The maiden voyage will be the first of a regular monthly service that will deliver goods between regional New Zealand ports including Nelson, Timaru, New Plymouth and Bluff, via Tasman to Tasmania and other ports on Australia’s east coast.
“For some of these regions, the MOVE service will be the only direct delivery route, while in other regions it will provide an additional option for customers who currently face delivery constraints and difficulties,” MOVE said.
MOVE’s customer, BioMar Australia, will use the direct service to deliver fish feed from Tasmania to key aquaculture operations in New Zealand.
BioMar CEO, David White, says: “We have worked in partnership with MOVE to develop an innovative logistics solution that will support our business, our customers and also benefit other businesses in Tasmania. Not only does this new direct service make the supply chain faster, cheaper and ultimately more efficient, having one reliable logistics partner also reduces the complexity and risk to our business. We will use the extensive MOVE network to deliver our products to customers once they reach New Zealand shores.”
MOVE Oceans General Manager Dale Slade commented, “While the aquaculture industry was the first to recognise the value of a direct regional trans-Atlantic shipping route, we have also received commitment and strong interest from a number of other companies. New Zealand’s regional businesses are the backbone of our economy; we are delighted to be able to further support their growth and success with the new MOVE Oceans offering. This unique new service allows MOVE to offer a true door-to-door supply chain, transporting customers’ goods from our ships to our trucks and to the MOVE warehouse before last mile delivery.”