Fresh Carriers Company (FCC), one of Zespri’s international shipping partners, has successfully completed a trial using biofuel in a charter vessel operating between Hong Kong and New Zealand. The purpose of the trial was to test the performance of the ship’s engines when burning biofuel.
The vessel Kakariki bunkered the biofuel in Hong Kong at the end of last month before starting its voyage south, arriving at the Port of Tauranga over the weekend. The vessel was powered by a blend of biofuel made from used cooking oil. The Kakariki bunkered the biofuel in Hong Kong because there is none available in New Zealand. If and when biofuel does become available in New Zealand, it will present more opportunities for Zespri’s chartered ships to use this low-emission fuel.
Zespri Chief Operating Officer, Jason Te Brake says the biofuel trial by FCC is a collaborative step forward for the industry as it seeks to decarbonize and future-proof through innovative solutions such as low-emission shipping.
“Shipping plays a critical role in New Zealand’s export-driven economy, carrying 99 percent of New Zealand’s trade by volume and around 80 percent by value. Globally, the sector is responsible for around 80 percent of worldwide trade volumes and 70 percent of worldwide trade value.
“Every year we ship our Zespri Kiwifruit to consumers in more than 50 markets around the world. International shipping accounts for around 43 percent of Zespri’s emissions footprint for fruit sold globally – this constitutes a larger part of our emissions compared to other primary sector exporters given the low-emissions nature of our product. Last year, the industry used 57 charter vessel sailings during the season, plus another 13,300 containers, shipping over 619,200 tonnes of New Zealand kiwifruit to our markets.
“With Zespri having limited ability to directly reduce shipping emissions ourselves, we’re working with key shipping and distribution partners like FCC to increase the efficiency of our shipping and logistics and make the transition to low-emission fuels.
“The biofuel trial with FCC is an important step forward and has provided us with critical technical insights, with the Kakariki monitored throughout its journey to ensure the biofuel performed well with no unforeseen technical issues. It’s fantastic to see it dock successfully in Tauranga.”
FCC Director, Toshiyuki Koga says FCC is proud to see the Kakariki, the company’s first vessel to trial biofuel, arrive safely in Tauranga.
“We have been in discussions with Zespri for a number of months about carrying out this trial and are now looking forward to further biofuel trials using other FCC vessels. We are also considering a northbound trial taking Zespri Kiwifruit to market this season.
“Biofuel supply chains are complex and there is still work to be done to ensure a stable supply. However, this trial is a first step towards decarbonization with Zespri.”
Jason Te Brake says, “New Zealand’s place at the bottom of the South Pacific Ocean means accessing low-emission fuel options is a challenge, and we are actively seeking partners to secure access to more sustainable fuels to meet our ambitious targets and the expectations of our customers and consumers.
“It’s been positive working with our long-term partner FCC, recognizing the importance of decarbonizing and future-proofing the industry. This trial is a step forward, and we’re pleased to be on the path to introducing low-emission fuels to carry Zespri Kiwifruit to our markets around the world in the future.”
About Zespri
Zespri, one of the world’s most successful horticultural marketing companies and New Zealand’s largest horticultural exporter. We export more than 167 million trays of kiwifruit to over 50 countries, managing 30 percent of the global volume. As part of a global team of growers, post-harvest suppliers, employees, distributors, and retailers, we are dedicated to consistently providing quality, fresh kiwifruit.
Zespri invests heavily in the future of New Zealand kiwifruit. Our plant breeding program is the world’s largest and most advanced, with 75,000 potential new varieties. We are also at the cutting edge of research on kiwifruit health and nutrition, on-orchard productivity, and sustainability. This passion, innovation, and investment ensure Zespri’s position as the world’s premier kiwifruit brand.
Source Zespri