Zespri’s first charter of the 2026/27 kiwifruit season sets sail
Zespri’s first charter shipment of the season has departed the Port of Tauranga and is on its way to Japan and South Korea. Read more here.
Zespri Shipping Operator Ben van Rensburg presenting commemorative plaque to Captain Ricardo P. Pajunar.
Cool Carriers' newest reefer vessel, Snow Flake, has marked its maiden voyage with a ceremony at Port of Nelson on 20 July. The vessel is carrying Zespri Kiwifruit to Europe on its first journey.
Representatives from Cool Carriers, Port of Nelson, local shipping agents, post-harvest operators, growers and packhouse managers attended the event. During the ceremony, Zespri Shipping Operator Ben van Rensburg presented a commemorative plaque to Captain Ricardo P. Pajunar.
Snow Flake is the first of seven new "Snow" class reefer vessels due to be delivered by 2028. The vessel can carry up to 8,000 pallets of fruit, with capacity for 5,000 pallets below deck and 150 containers on deck. The new build programme supports Cool Carriers' commitment to the International Maritime Organisation's environmental targets, including reducing CO₂ emissions by 30 percent from 2022 levels by 2030.
Designed with fuel efficiency in mind, the vessel features a Generation 3 main engine with Exhaust Gas Recirculation, advanced hull coatings and propulsion optimisation technology to help improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
Snow Flake departed Nelson on 21 July carrying around 1,300 pallets of Zespri Green and SunGold Kiwifruit, before arriving in Tauranga on 23 July.
While the vessel was in Tauranga, Zespri staff had the opportunity to tour it before its departure on 25 July. Snow Flake is scheduled to arrive in Tarragona, Spain, on 24 August, before continuing to Vado, Italy, on 28 August.
Snow Flake being loaded with Zespri Kiwifruit at the Port of Nelson.
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