RoRo vessel to operate on methanol fuel

MOVE Logistics Group in New Zealand plans to order a new coastal RORO vessel capable of running on methanol fuel.

Earlier in 2022, MOVE secured $10 million in co-investment funds from transport agency Waka Kotahi to support coastal shipping initiatives that reduce freight sector greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience.

Waka Kotahi has endorsed the proposal by MOVE for its vessel design that includes a methanol tank and pipework installation during construction. This makes sure that the new vessel is ready for the swap-in of carbon-friendly methanol powered engines as they become available.

The new, fit-for-purpose RORO vessel will be able to berth wheeled cargo into at least 13 New Zealand ports, without the need for any new port infrastructure to be built.

It will initially operate three sailings a week between Nelson and New Plymouth and provide an additional sea bridge between the North and South Islands.