Oslo-based Höegh Autoliners has added a new pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) and a direct Auckland call to its monthly schedule between the UK, Europe and Australasia.
The 2010-built, Norwegian-flagged 'Höegh Copenhagen' will debut the revised service in Auckland on March 31. Now plied by four vessels, the schedule will include the UK ports of Newcastle and Southampton and the European ports Le Havre, Bremerhaven, Antwerp and Santander. On-carriage will be provided between Auckland, Wellington and Lyttelton.
Kiwi Car Carriers managing director Terry Riches, whose wholly-owned company acts as Höegh's local agents, believes the upgraded service will prove attractive to New Zealand shippers.
"This direct service, with a 43-day transit time, is able to handle a full range of vehicles, rolling stock and static/project cargo on roller trailers," he says. "While the current service requires a transhipment at Melbourne, it's expected that the direct sailing will be well supported by new car and commercial customers. With the recent interest in used imports from the United Kingdom, here's a viable competitive drive on/off no-fuss shipping option able to accept any size vehicle."
Iain MacIntyre
