Rising fuel prices have pushed major shipping lines to merge routes and cut services to New Zealand, and exporters are worried there might not be enough cargo space for next year’s peak season, according to New Zealand’s National Business Review.
Shipping lines Maersk and Hamburg Sud merged their service from New Zealand to the east coast of the US in June in an effort to cut costs, halving the number of ships plying the route.
Zespri shipping manager Mike Knowles said overall container capacity in and out of New Zealand had fallen 13-14 per cent in TEUs.
“That’s going to put pressure on freight rates which is not good for our growers,” Mr Knowles said.
Enza national shipping manager Simon Beale said his company had to hire charter services to move late-season apples, and other companies had to wait six to eight weeks for cargo space.
The full impact of the shipping sparsity didn’t hit home this year because drought had slimmed down production in many areas, but exporters are worried a good season next year could really strain the seams.
“This year there should have been plenty of capacity everywhere,” Mr Beale said. “If it’s a good season next year, there could be a huge issue with space.”
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