Zespri and shipping partner ANL/CMA CGM have launched a feasibility study for a low-emissions shipping corridor between New Zealand and Belgium.
The study will look at the corridor between Tauranga and Zeebrugge in Belgium via the Panama Canal, according to a news release.
A low-emissions shipping corridor is defined as a route between two or more ports where zero-emission shipping solutions are demonstrated and reported.
The concept is supported by the 2021 Clydebank Declaration — an agreement signed by 22 countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, and the U.S. — to explore and develop partnerships among ports, operators, and other key partners along the value chain.
“Low-emissions shipping is a critical part of carbon reduction for exporters and also underpins our collective ability to achieve the government’s goal of doubling export value over the next 10 years,” said Zespri Executive Officer for Sustainability Rachel Depree. “Collectively we are already facing rising costs as carbon is priced into the economy and our markets and customers are starting to demand targets and plans to lower emissions over time.”
Shipping plays a critical part in New Zealand’s export-driven economy, carrying 99% of the country’s trade by volume and around 80% by value, the release said. Shipping emissions are one of the key challenges to decarbonizing the kiwifruit industry and meeting Zespri’s climate commitments, Depree said.
“While kiwifruit is a low-carbon product, shipping emissions make up a larger portion of the product’s overall carbon footprint at 43% - and that’s why action is a priority,” she said. “Like many exporters, Zespri can’t directly reduce shipping emissions ourselves so we’re working with our shipping and distribution partners to improve efficiency and find opportunities to pilot low-emissions fuels solutions as we work towards our ambition of being carbon positive by 2035.”
Depree said Zespri is advocating for new port infrastructure and supporting the introduction of more low emissions shipping vessels, fuels and technology.
“The problem is significant and the answer complex, but we do know success here will require coordinated action across government and supply chains,” she said.
