Zespri and Fresh Carriers Co have successfully completed the first kiwifruit charter powered by low-emissions fuel, with the vessel Kowhai arriving at Nangang Port in Shanghai. The Kowhai, which sailed from Tauranga, was loaded with 1.2 million trays of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit and 16 containers of Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit. On its journey, the vessel was powered by a blend of biofuel made from used cooking oil, which is a low-emissions fuel option.
The charter is part of a larger effort by Zespri and Fresh Carriers Co to reduce the carbon footprint of their operations. According to Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake, shipping has the largest carbon impact across their supply chain, making up more than 40% of their emissions. With the company delivering fruit to over 50 markets globally each year, they are focusing on efficiency measures and collaborating with partners to trial low-emissions solutions.
This successful trial is a significant step forward in reducing the environmental impact of Zespri’s operations. By using low-emissions fuels, such as biofuel, the company can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. The success of this trial is expected to pave the way for future collaborations between Zespri and other companies to reduce their environmental impact.