Coastal shipping operator Pacifica Shipping has launched a new project to create one of New Zealand’s lowest emission supply chains for heavy freight by linking zero emission battery-swapping, fully electric trucks with coastal shipping.
Co-funded by the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA), the initiative will see the deployment of battery electric trucks for the first and last mile transportation of products, with low emission coastal shipping for ocean freight.
Pacifica Shipping is an operating division of Swire Shipping.
The project is poised to achieve a significant reduction in carbon footprint by eliminating 5100 conventional combustion engine truck movements and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 250 tonnes annually.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) have joined this initiative as the product partner.
Mainfreight and Hilton Haulage have been brought on board as inland transportation partners. The first phase of the project will see the commencement of Mainfreight operating battery electric trucks between CCEP’s Mount Wellington site and the Port of Auckland. Subsequently, operations will be expanded to Christchurch, with Hilton Haulage operating between Lyttelton Port Company and CCEP’s Woolston site.
Two XCMG E700 electric trucks will be deployed to move full containers for the first and last mile at the ports of Auckland and Christchurch. The E700 distinguishes itself within the electric truck segment due to its battery swap technology, which enables the rapid replacement of discharged battery modules with fully charged ones. This technology minimises operational downtime and enhances overall productivity.
“Pacifica Shipping has always been a strong supporter of the transition to a low emissions future. This groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in New Zealand, leverages coastal shipping to create a supply chain characterised by the lowest carbon emissions for heavy freight shipments within New Zealand,” said Alistair Skingley, country manager – New Zealand, Swire Shipping.
“We express our sincere gratitude to CCEP and EECA for placing their trust in us. We hope this initiative inspires more freight shippers and operators to embrace the environmentally friendly “Blue Highway” and the benefits that coastal shipping can bring to their supply chains.”
