New Zealand’s MOVE Logistics Group has designed and ordered a new methanol-capable ro-ro that it hopes to operate next year.
The NZX-listed company said it is going “full steam ahead” on green coastal shipping solutions.
It has secured NZD 10m ($6m) in investment from government transport agency Waka Kotahi to support the project.
A methanol tank and pipework will be installed during construction.
This ensures the new vessel is ready for the swap-in of carbon-friendly methanol-powered engines as they become available, MOVE said.
The vessel will be built at an unnamed Vietnamese shipyard, with delivery planned for November 2023.
Group executive director Chris Dunphy said: “MOVE is committed to decarbonisation of freight and logistics activities. Our decision to invest alongside Waka Kotahi demonstrates the very real nature of how a former trucking company can become truly multi-modal and offer resilience to our clients via coastal shipping.”
The 3,000-gt ro-ro will call at at least 13 New Zealand ports without any change to infrastructure.
It will initially operate three sailings a week between Nelson and New Plymouth and provide an additional sea bridge between the North and South islands.
MOVE Oceans general manager Dale Slade said: “This new vessel will not only provide a reliable mode of transport, but operational efficiencies will also amplify the carbon reduction efforts of MOVE and Waka Kotahi.”
MOVE expects at least 12 jobs to be created.
The group operates one other cargo vessel currently.
