NEPTUNE Pacific Direct Line has been forced to re-work its NZPAC service schedule after bad weather disrupted its New Zealand port calls.
Port of Tauranga had to suspend operations for 24 hours over the weekend due to strong winds, meaning the berthing of Neptune Matua 0534 has been delayed by a day to today [17 September]. The ship has consequently missed its Auckland window and due to unavailability of labour, its berth in Auckland has been delayed by a week to 24 September.
NPDL says that with PFL Matai 0532 also running off-window, the carrier will adjust all three NZPAC vessels to rectify the schedule. The changes will be as follows:
Neptune Matua 0534: On departure Tauranga on 17 September, it will perform a double call in Auckland. First calling multi-cargo wharf on 18 September to discharge imports, a partial load of exports and then head to anchorage. It will then wait until its Terminal berth on 24 September to load all remaining exports. It will also call Apia, Pago Pago & Nuku’alofa on this voyage. NPDL will adjust the schedule of NPDL Tahiti 2520 to ensure connection of New Zealand to Vanuatu exports in Suva.
PFL Matai 0532/0535: After departing Tonga on 20 September on Voy 0532, it will return to Lautoka to load additional cargo for NZ (covering the gap from Neptune Matua delay). It will berth in Tauranga a week later on 30 September and will change to performing a “Fiji Express” rotation on its next Voy 0535.
Capitaine Tasman 0536: It will berth a week later than scheduled with an ETA of 7 October and perform its normal NZPAC rotation (Pago Pago) call.
Meanwhile, the 2001-built PFL Matai has been reported sold to Chinese interests for US$10.5 million. Neptune Matua was acquired to replace this vessel in NZPAC, first covering for the drydocking of Capitaine Tupaia in China and then a short-term charter of that ship to Tailwind Shipping, a subsidiary of German supermarket giant Lidl.
When Capitaine Tupaia returns next month PFL Matai will be handed over to the buyers and NZPAC will stabilise with Neptune Matua, Capitaine Tupaia and Capitaine Tasman.