NEPTUNE PACIFIC is bolstering its Pacific fleet with a newly-chartered vessel to take over the MICROPAC service from December.
The carrier has revealed it will take delivery next month of INCO Ships’ ICS Silver Lining to operate between Kiribati, Fiji and the Marshall Islands. The addition will enable Neptune Pacific to redeploy Southern Pearl to the INTRAPAC service, calling Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna.
The charter puts an immediate question mark over the plans by Auckland-based Aberfeldy Shipping to launch a NZ coastal service in December. Aberfeldy has been widely spruiking ICS Silver Lining as one of two vessels fixed for the venture.
Neptune Pacific says the combined effect of the changes to the MICROPAC and INTRAPAC services is to provide increased capacity per voyage and greater operational flexibility for the Central Pacific region.
“The network will benefit from additional capacity – including reefer and project cargo, greater flexibility to respond to changing demand, and stronger ability to maintain connections to and within the highly import-dependent region,” the company said.
“The incoming vessel and the redeployment of Southern Pearl into an important trade reflects Neptune Pacific’s long-term commitment to serving island markets through local employment, ongoing fleet investment, and expansion of Pacific operations.
“ICS Silver Lining, a MPP (multi-purpose vessel) built in 2005, has a 766 TEU capacity, including 120 reefers and like other Neptune Pacific vessels, is well-suited to South Pacific port operations, with two onboard cranes.”
Following Southern Pearl's redeployment Capitaine Wallis, which currently services INTRAPAC, will remain in Neptune Pacific's fleet to enable operational flexibility and project cargo and enable additional capacity in and around the Central Pacific.
Commenting on this latest fleet expansion, Neptune Pacific president Kim A. Kristensen said: “This is an important milestone in the continued growth of our regional network, where container shipping plays a vital role in enabling trade. Our ongoing investment and expansion will continue to empower the island nations and communities we serve.
“This addition is part of a broader development of Neptune Pacific’s shipping network, with further initiatives underway to enhance its services and connections across the Pacific.”
Meanwhile, Neptune Pacific has appointed Martin Henry as General Manager Technical and Marine, effective 12 October. He will be based in Singapore.
Martin brings more than 40 years of international maritime experience across ship management, fleet operations, and technical leadership in Europe and Asia. He joins Neptune Pacific from Taylor Maritime, where he was chief technical officer.
A Class 1 chief engineer, chartered engineer, chartered marine engineer and fellow of IMarEST, Martin has extensive experience at sea and ashore across fleet management, marine operations, safety and vessel performance.