Fresh Carriers Co., Ltd. (FCC) and Zespri have completed the first-ever kiwifruit charter powered by biofuel, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration towards sustainable shipping solutions. The vessel Kowhai arrived at Nangang Port in Shanghai, China, delivering the first batch of Zespri Kiwifruit for the 2025/26 season, powered by a biofuel blend made from used cooking oil.
The Kowhai charter shipment, which left Tauranga in mid-March, is Zespri’s first for the Greater China region this season. The vessel carried 1.2 million trays of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit, along with 16 containers of Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit, totaling around 5,400 tonnes of premium fruit. This journey represents a crucial step forward in Zespri’s and FCC’s shared commitment to reducing emissions in their shipping operations.
This biofuel-powered journey continues the trial work initiated by Zespri and FCC last year. While biofuel is not available in New Zealand, the vessel bunkered the biofuel in Hong Kong before sailing south to Tauranga, where the kiwifruit was loaded. The successful completion of this shipment not only demonstrates the viability of low-emission fuels but also sets a new standard for eco-friendly shipping solutions in the horticultural export industry.
A Key Step in Decarbonizing the Shipping Sector
Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake highlighted the importance of this milestone, saying, “Shipping accounts for over 40% of Zespri’s global emissions. With our commitment to delivering kiwifruit to over 50 markets worldwide each year, this is a vital step toward achieving our sustainability goals. By collaborating with FCC, we are exploring and implementing low-emissions solutions, contributing to reducing our carbon footprint per tray of fruit.”
Zespri’s focus on sustainability extends to its entire supply chain, and as part of this initiative, the company is working with shipping partners like FCC to test and adopt biofuel-powered vessels. The Kowhai journey is the first commercial shipment of Zespri kiwifruit to be powered by biofuel for its entire voyage from Tauranga to Shanghai.
FCC’s President and COO Toshiyuki Koga expressed FCC’s dedication to supporting Zespri’s carbon reduction ambitions and the broader goals of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). He added, “FCC’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in our modern vessels, which are built with the latest engine technology to save fuel and reduce emissions. We’re excited to be part of this groundbreaking voyage, marking the first of many to come.”
China: A Key Market for Zespri’s Sustainability Efforts
The arrival of the biofuel-powered Kowhai in Shanghai signals the beginning of Zespri’s sales season in China, one of the company’s largest and most important markets. As Zespri continues to grow in the region, the partnership with FCC and the adoption of biofuel is key to meeting Zespri’s environmental targets.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new step in our sustainability journey and provide the people of China with high-quality Zespri kiwifruit while contributing to a cleaner shipping sector,” said Te Brake. “This collaboration not only reflects our desire to reduce emissions but also demonstrates our long-term commitment to the sustainable future of the horticultural industry.”
Moving Toward a Green Future: Partnerships and Future Goals
This collaboration between FCC, Zespri, and their logistics partners, PFS Cold Chain Logistics Co. Ltd. and VX Cold Chain Logistics, is a vital step in the broader movement toward decarbonizing the shipping industry. It reflects the power of partnerships and the significant role of biofuels in reducing carbon emissions in global supply chains.
Looking ahead, Zespri aims to scale up its use of low-emissions fuels as they become more widely available, with the long-term goal of reducing its environmental footprint while ensuring the efficient delivery of fresh produce to global markets.
Te Brake concluded, “As we work together with our partners to understand the practical applications of biofuels and low-emissions solutions, we look forward to seeing continued investment in biofuel infrastructure and regulations that will support a more sustainable future for shipping and global trade.”
PFS Cold Chain Logistics Co. Ltd. and VX Cold Chain Logistics are trusted logistics partners for Zespri in Greater China. They provide comprehensive cold chain solutions to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of fresh produce, including Zespri kiwifruit, to customers across the region.
About FCC
Fresh Carriers Co., Ltd. (FCC) is a leading shipping company specializing in the transportation of kiwifruit from New Zealand. With a focus on sustainability, FCC is investing in modern vessels equipped with state-of-the-art engine technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The company is dedicated to working with its partners to explore and implement low-emissions solutions in the shipping industry.
About Zespri
Zespri is New Zealand’s largest horticultural exporter and one of the world’s most successful kiwifruit marketers. The company exports kiwifruit to over 50 countries, managing approximately 30% of the global kiwifruit volume. With a global workforce of 900 and 2,800 growers in New Zealand, Zespri is committed to sustainability, aiming to be carbon positive by 2035. Zespri continues to innovate and develop eco-friendly solutions across its supply chain, from packaging to shipping.
Source Zespri