Targeting the mode carrying four-times its current volume of inter-regional freight by the year 2040, Transport Minister Annette King says the strategy will help achieve “an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable transport system.

“We need to reduce the transport system’s heavy dependence on fossil fuels and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” says Ms King.

“Sea Change offers a bold new future for coastal shipping in New Zealand and signals a partnership between national and local government, the domestic seafreight industry and employees, and other parts of the transport sector.”

Already, ports are beginning appraisals to see what opportunities there will be if new coastal services emerge.