NEPTUNE Pacific Direct Line has announced it will welcome a new vessel to its fleet next month.

Capitaine Tupaia, a geared 22,314 DWT, 1713 TEU nominal vessel, is expected to join NPDL’s South Pacific network in mid-September.

The company said the ship will be deployed on its New Zealand to Tahiti service, calling Auckland and Papeete.

It said the arrival of Capitaine Tupaia will allow Capitaine Dampier to re-join Capitaine Tasman on the independent, dedicated New Zealand to Fiji service.

“The addition of the Capitaine Tupaia to our fleet will significantly enhance connections and increase supply chain reliability across our network,” NPDL said in a customer notice.

“NPDL is committed to delivering a robust suite of freight services tailored to meet the demands of the South Pacific.”

The company noted the arrival of the newest addition to the fleet and subsequent adjustments to the network will be reflected in its schedules from next week.