In addition to standard containers with the liner shipping companies, kiwi producers booked over 60 conventional reefer ships this year, according to the marketing organisation Zespri.
The ships were mainly chartered for trips to Asia and the Mediterranean. New Zealand kiwi producers have shipped more produce this year than in any previous year. In the furry fruit’s export season, which runs from March to early November, the central marketing organisation Zespri is expecting a total volume of 684,000 tonnes or 190 million “trays” (fruit cartons).
Zespri expands charter program
Due to the lack of container availability, the cooperative has significantly expanded its charter program for conventional reefer vessels. A total of 62 reefer carriers have been booked since March, compared to 51 in the previous year. The last full load of 4,600 tons is now on its way from Tauranga to Tokyo on the “Lady Rosehip” (10,617 dwt), built in 2008 by the Dutch shipping company Seatrade, where it is expected to arrive at the beginning of November. Another 4,400 tons of kiwis are still to be sent on the voyage by container, then it’s over.
As in previous years, New Zealand mainly serves recipients in Asia with conventional ships. According to Zespri, there were 43 ships this time. 13 charter trips went to the Mediterranean and three each to northern Europe and the west coast of North America.
The kiwi farmers are aiming for an even higher volume next year. Compared to this year, however, growth would be rather moderate, Zespri announced. (mph)
