One of three new specialised refrigerated ships built in Japan by shipping operator Seatrade has departed from the Port of Tauranga in New Zealand with its maiden consigment of kiwifruit exported by leading marketer Zespri.
The ice-class Baltic Klipper, which is one of the last to carry New Zealand kiwifruit to Europe this season, offers an average sailing time of 27 days, making it one of the fastest services on that particular route.
According to the Bay of Plenty Times, representatives of both companies were in Tauranga last week for a tour of the reefer vessel before it set sail for Zeebrugge in Belgium.
The final two ships of the New Zealand kiwifruit export season are due to leave Tauranga this week and are expected to arrive in Europe – one in the north and one in the south – towards the end of October, marking the end of Zespri's Southern Hemisphere export campaign.
Seatrade chartering manager Dave Southwood told the newspaper that the Baltic Klipper offered a fast, point-to-point service that was ideal for the kiwifruit industry.
'Our vessels offer the fastest transit time from Tauranga to Europe with an average of only 27 days which is considerable faster than container lines,' he said. 'This means Zespri can be assured their chilled kiwifruit arrive in minimal time in the best possible condition.'
The Baltic Klipper can carry around 5,500 pallets of fruit below deck, with additional capacity up on deck for some 450 containers.
Zespri shipping manager Mike Knowles welcomed the new addition to the fleet: 'It's fantastic for the New Zealand kiwifruit industry to have access to such a modern vessel and it's a pleasure to utilise the latest technology for loading.'
