China Navigation to Buy Pacifca Shipping (New Zealand)

The China Navigation Company (CNCo), the deep sea shipping arm of the multinational Swire Group, has signed a conditional sale and purchase agreement to acquire Pacifica Shipping (Pacifica) from the Skeggs Group of companies in New Zealand.

CNCo has been a long term participant in the New Zealand’s maritime and transport industry. The first Swire vessel called to New Zealand 130 years ago. Today Swire explains that it has extensive interests in agencies, stevedoring, logistics and multipurpose liner shipping services.

Swire Shipping, CNCo’s liner shipping arm, currently operates five independent multi-purpose liner services from New Zealand to Asia, Australia, North America and the Pacific Islands.

Brodie Stevens, Country Manager CNCo (New Zealand) said “We are optimistic that the purchase will be completed in the coming weeks. We will be increasing our investment in New Zealand’s shipping and logistics industry. We look forward to expanding and improving the valuable domestic transport solutions which Pacifica currently provides and we are confident that the operational and environmental benefits of coastal shipping will continue to play a significant role in the sustainability of New Zealand’s transport infrastructure.”

Providing the deal goes through, Pacifica will remain an independent operation headquartered in Auckland. Steve Chapman, CEO Pacifica, confirmed it will be business as usual for Pacifica and the existing management team has CNCo’s full support in continuing to provide the highest levels of service delivery.