September 2004 Vol. 24 No. 3 Published by South Port NZ Ltd

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1 September 2004 Vol. 24 No. 3 Published by South Port NZ Ltd

SOUTHPORT S PEOPLE The Management Team RECORD LIFTING OF FOREST PRODUCTS Forest products have been carried across the Pacific between New Zealand and North America for many years.

could often be seen with substantial deck cargoes of timber.

2 SOUTHPORT S PEOPLE The Management Team RECORD LIFTING OF FOREST PRODUCTS Forest products have been carried across the Pacific between New Zealand and North America for many years. Back in the post-war years when the Union Steam Ship Company ran a regular, if rather sedate, service from New Zealand to the Pacific North West packaged lumber was an important cargo and its ships could often be seen with substantial deck cargoes of timber. While forest products still travel between the two regions the big difference is that back then the lumber was being imported by New Zealand, today it is being exported. New Zealand Lumber Exporters in association with Jebsen International introduced a service to the West Coast of North America from Bluff as recently as June 2000, the first sailing being taken by the Swiftnes. Primarily catering for forest products such as sawn timber, framing and fibreboard the service met with immediate success. Just last year we reported a record lifting of 16,000 cubic metres but that was shattered when the Ciclope recently loaded over 20,000 cubic metres, including sawn timber, MDF South Port s management team pose on the main mobile container handling crane. From left to right they are:- Nigel Gear, Warehousing Manager; Russell Slaughter, Port General Manager; John Panneton, Commercial Manager; Steve Kellett, Cold Stores Manager; Dave Yeowell, Marine Manager; Mark O Connor, Chief Executive; and Geoff Finnerty; Finance Manager. and veneer, for WCNA ports. At present the service is maintained by the Ciclope and the sisters General Delgado and General Villa. Front Cover: Tasman Orient Line s North Asia vessel Tasman Independence is framed at Tiwai by the bow of the Margret Oldendorff, loading on Tasman Orient s East Asia Service, and the stern of the Ciclope, which was bound for North America with a record cargo of forest products. The Ciclope loading forest products for North America The Bluff Portsider is compiled by South Port N.Z. Ltd P.O. Box 1, Bluff. TFN (03) Fax (03) reception@southport.co.nz Website Mr M. O Connor, Chief Executive Edited by Capt. D. A. Edge Production by Craigs Design & Print 2

WHEN YOUR NUMBER S UP Regulations recently introduced by the International Maritime Organisation require vessels to prominently display their distinctive IMO number.

IMO numbers have been spotted on the transom stern, the bridge front, on either side of the accommodation and even, in a particularly liberal interpretation of the regulations, on the surround of the

The Tasman Explorer, familiar but on her first visit to Bluff The Tasman Provider s IMO number is unusual in being a palindrome SHE LOOKS FAMILIAR BUT When the Tasman Explorer arrived to load on

3 WHEN YOUR NUMBER S UP Regulations recently introduced by the International Maritime Organisation require vessels to prominently display their distinctive IMO number. Originally it was intended that this should be adjacent to the ship s name on the stern but interpretations of just where it should be vary widely. IMO numbers have been spotted on the transom stern, the bridge front, on either side of the accommodation and even, in a particularly liberal interpretation of the regulations, on the surround of the crew swimming pool. The Tasman Orient vessel Tasman Provider has hers on the stern and it has the distinction of being a numeric palindrome, reading the same from either end. The Tasman Explorer, familiar but on her first visit to Bluff The Tasman Provider s IMO number is unusual in being a palindrome SHE LOOKS FAMILIAR BUT When the Tasman Explorer arrived to load on Tasman Orient Line s North Asia service her distinctive appearance struck a chord with many waterfront officiando s. Surely there was no mistaking that funnel, somewhat reminiscent of a card table, but no Tasman Explorer had been in Bluff before. Her secret lay in pre-tasman Orient days when Tasman Asia Line was serving the Orient through Bluff. Back then she was the TA Explorer, being renamed in 1999 when Tasman Asia and New Zealand Orient Line joined forces to establish Tasman Orient Line. Her sister was similarly renamed and now serves Tasman Orient as the Tasman Voyager. THE FIRST FROM FUNAFUTI Beautiful Funafuti Atoll, in the tiny central Pacific nation of Tuvalu, is an idyllic spot but as a port of registry it is less familiar than most. Nevertheless, a few ships are registered there and fly that nation s sky-blue flag. The first Tuvaluanregistered ship to visit Bluff was another Tasman Orient vessel, the Tasman Trader. Although she has been a regular visitor to Bluff for some time on Tasman Orient s East Asia Service, until recently the Tasman Trader flew the Panamanian flag. In addition to being the first to fly the flag the Tasman Trader is almost certainly the first ship to visit Bluff manned by a Tuvaluan crew. The Tasman Trader of Funafuti 3

ON BLUFF SECU The watch-house ready for removal The South Port watch-house en route Being manoeuvred onto its new foundations The watch-house at its new

and Port Security Code, generally known as the ISPS Code, came into force on I July.

Bluff may seem an unlikely target for attack, being a long way from the centres of terrorist unrest, but to continue operating as an international port it

Probably the most obvious change to the port approaches is the relocation of the watch-house from the shore to the Island Harbour end of the road and rail

4 ON BLUFF SECU The watch-house ready for removal The South Port watch-house en route Being manoeuvred onto its new foundations The watch-house at its new location Following the infamous 9/11 attacks on New York s World Trade Centre and attacks on shipping, both at sea and in port, a new International Ship and Port Security Code, generally known as the ISPS Code, came into force on I July. All ships over 500 gross tons engaged in international trade and the ports they visit are required to comply with this code. Bluff may seem an unlikely target for attack, being a long way from the centres of terrorist unrest, but to continue operating as an international port it must comply. Probably the most obvious change to the port approaches is the relocation of the watch-house from the shore to the Island Harbour end of the road and rail bridge which gives access to the main port facilities and the installation of a security checkpoint at the Island end of the bridge. This comprises a gatehouse and barrier arms, with heavy gates able to be deployed in case of a security alert. Under normal circumstances persons with legitimate business on the Island Harbour will be admitted upon production of photographic identification. To save 4

FOCUS RITY Cargoes come by road and rail and strictly observing the speed limit time those visiting the Island Harbour regularly may obtain a swipe card

Once on the Island Harbour visitors will find that more stringent regulations regarding movement around the Island and parking of motor vehicles now

Vehicles may also be searched, even when no particular threat is perceived, as the ISPS Code requires a percentage of vehicles to be checked as a

Similar security measures will be in force at the Town Wharf whenever an ISPS compliant vessel is berthed there.

5 FOCUS RITY Cargoes come by road and rail and strictly observing the speed limit time those visiting the Island Harbour regularly may obtain a swipe card which avoids the tedious manual recording of entrance and exit. Apply at the watch-house if a swipe card is required. Once on the Island Harbour visitors will find that more stringent regulations regarding movement around the Island and parking of motor vehicles now apply and must be complied with. Vehicles may also be searched, even when no particular threat is perceived, as the ISPS Code requires a percentage of vehicles to be checked as a security measure. By entering the secure area visitors are automatically acknowledging and agreeing to these measures. Similar security measures will be in force at the Town Wharf whenever an ISPS compliant vessel is berthed there. While many will bemoan the fact that they no longer have unrestricted access to their port look on the bright side; shifting the watch-house has placed the approach bridge outside the secure area and reopened a couple of favoured fishing spots. Heavy security gates can seal off the Island Harbour during an alert During normal operations delays are kept to the minimum commensurate with security 5

THE LAST LASCO Page 8 of The Bluff PortSider published in September 1994 carried a brief history of the Lasco Shipping Company, which was founded in 1963 as a subsidiary of the United States company

The first of the company s ships to visit Bluff was the Pacocean in February 1983 and their Pacprince, Pacprincess and Packing became well known here on a regular service to North America.

In all thirteen different Pacs visited Bluff over the years and, appropriately enough, the first was also the last when the Pacocean returned in June.

6 THE LAST LASCO Page 8 of The Bluff PortSider published in September 1994 carried a brief history of the Lasco Shipping Company, which was founded in 1963 as a subsidiary of the United States company Schnitzer Steel Products. The first of the company s ships to visit Bluff was the Pacocean in February 1983 and their Pacprince, Pacprincess and Packing became well known here on a regular service to North America. Recently it was announced that this well known shipping company had been sold to the Danish Clipper Group. In all thirteen different Pacs visited Bluff over the years and, appropriately enough, the first was also the last when the Pacocean returned in June. Her funnel already in Clipper colours the Pacocean was the last Lasco ship in Bluff Turkish delight at being in Bluff was tempered by some inclement weather A YOUNG TURK Believed to be only the second Turkish ship to have visited Bluff the Yasa Emirhan arrived with a cargo of fertiliser in July. The star and crescent on a red ground of the Turkish flag was last seen in Bluff in On that occasion the flag bearer was an elderly bulker but the Yasa Emirhan is nothing if not a Young Turk, having been completed by her Japanese builders in The same term could be applied to her owners, the Yasa Shipping Company, which was founded in Already a substantial fleet of bulk carriers is managed with the doyen of the fleet less than four years old. THE LATEST LONGLINER Most of the larger vessels in the New Zealand fishing fleet are a fairly familiar sight in Bluff but when the Avro Chieftain called recently she was making her first visit here. At first glance the Avro Chieftain looks much like other longliners in the New Zealand fleet but she is rather more sophisticated than most with a moonpool in her hull allowing lines to be recovered without the crew having to go out on deck. Considering that she is fishing the Southern Ocean any danger of her crew becoming soft would seem to be minimal. Avro Chieftain discharging to the South Port cold stores 6

The Miro at Greenhills and showing her age END OF A DREAM From time to time the former coastal and Tasman trader Miro has featured in these pages. Unfortunately this may well be the last.

Her working life over she passed to the Miro Trust, a group of local enthusiasts who dreamt of returning the Miro to her former glory.

She is one of the last coastal ketches still afloat at least she was.

7 The Miro at Greenhills and showing her age END OF A DREAM From time to time the former coastal and Tasman trader Miro has featured in these pages. Unfortunately this may well be the last. Built in Auckland in 1925 as a coastal trading ketch the Miro was later converted for fishing and in 1964 came to Bluff, being modified for oystering. Her working life over she passed to the Miro Trust, a group of local enthusiasts who dreamt of returning the Miro to her former glory. However, the required finance was not forthcoming and, after nearly sinking at her moorings on several occasions, the Miro was beached near the ships graveyard at Greenhills. She is one of the last coastal ketches still afloat at least she was. SOUTHERN WINDS There is now more to southern winds than a force 8 from Antarctica as this is the name chosen for the new Department of Conservation vessel to be based in Fiordland where she will replace the venerable Renown. Australian built the Southern Winds came across the Tasman under her own power and spent some time in Bluff being modified for her new role. As the photograph shows she is quite a different vessel from the Renown and bears a close family resemblance to some of the crayfishing boats that have been imported from Western Australia. Southern Winds in a gentle breeze on Bluff Harbour The Rawhiti ready for launching and belying her age RETURN OF RAWHITI The name Rawhiti translates as rising sun but for the fishing boat Rawhiti it appeared her sun was setting when she fell into disrepair. Built about 1900 the Rawhiti fished Southland waters for many years, but in recent times the hard life to which she had been subjected began to take its toll and her condition deteriorated. The Rawhiti could so easily have joined the Miro at the Greenhills graveyard but was more fortunate as John Leask, grandson of her builder Tom Leask, decided to remodel and rebuild her and she has now returned to the Stewart Island waters of her youth. 7

TAIHEIYO KAIUN COMPANY LIMITED Taiheiyo colours carried by the Carissa Star Back in the fondly remembered days of conventional ships that looked like ships should Bluff s major exports revolved

Frozen meat, wool, tallow, hides, dairy produce and grain occupied the rakes of railway wagons that lined the wharves and there seemed no reason to suppose that it would not remain so in the future.

The advent of the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter had helped maintain cargo volumes but the cargo that replaced farm produce, and now comprises 37% of export cargoes through Bluff, was forest products.

8 TAIHEIYO KAIUN COMPANY LIMITED Taiheiyo colours carried by the Carissa Star Back in the fondly remembered days of conventional ships that looked like ships should Bluff s major exports revolved around farming. Frozen meat, wool, tallow, hides, dairy produce and grain occupied the rakes of railway wagons that lined the wharves and there seemed no reason to suppose that it would not remain so in the future. Containerisation changed all that. Farm produce was still shipped but with the main container ports elsewhere quantities were reduced. The advent of the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter had helped maintain cargo volumes but the cargo that replaced farm produce, and now comprises 37% of export cargoes through Bluff, was forest products. With the stockpile prominent for miles around one of the most visible export forms of forest products is woodchips. Woodchip exports from Bluff began in 1982 and during the late 1980 s one of the most frequent visitors to load woodchips was the The Carissa Star outbound off Stirling Point Carissa Star which, being of medium size, was able to load a full cargo in Bluff making her particularly suitable for the port. Her owners were the Japanese Taiheiyo Kaiun, which may be translated as Pacific Ocean Shipping, thus defining the company s main sphere of operations. This company was established in Tokyo in February 1951 and listed with the stock exchange there the following year. Initially Taiheiyo Kaiun traded two oil tankers, the Daisui Maru and Yamamizu Maru No.5, both vessels being built under Japan s war emergency shipbuilding programme and completed in Throughout its existence the company has concentrated on the liquid and dry bulk trades, entering the dry cargo trade in 1952 with the purchase of two pre-war British tramp steamers. The first newbuilding for the company was another tanker, the Howa Maru, completed in By the early 1960 s Taiheiyo Kaiun had consolidated its position as a medium sized operator with a mixed fleet of tankers and cargo ships, most of them under ten years old. This, however, was a time of Managed by TMM the Sky Pacific is the largest woodchip carrier to have visited Bluff change for Japanese shipping with a major restructuring of the industry seeing the formation of several large shipping groups into which smaller companies were absorbed. In 1964 Taiheiyo Kaiun became part of the giant Nippon Yusen Kaisha Group, commonly known as NYK Line. Absorption into the NYK Group had little effect on the composition of the fleet although the tankers grew larger, the cargo ships evolved into bulk carriers and the ships often operated on charter to the parent company. In November 1968 the company took delivery of the tanker Yowa Maru, at 209,000 tons deadweight its first Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) and more specialised bulk ships, such as ore carriers and woodchip vessels, began to join the fleet. In 1977 a wholly-owned subsidiary company, Taiheiyo Marine Management, was established. Operating from the same address as the parent company Taiheiyo Marine Management, today known as TMM Ship Management, is mainly engaged in managing the Taiheiyo owned and chartered fleet and providing the technical services necessary to keep the ships operating. VLCC s, ore/ bulk carriers, woodchip carriers and log ships are all under TMM management with liquefied petroleum gas and chemical tankers expected to be included in the immediate future. At present the owned and chartered fleet comprises thirteen tankers, the largest over 300,000 tonnes, and five bulk carriers, including two woodchip ships, the total deadweight being over 2.75 million tonnes. If the old Carissa Star could be considered a handysize woodchip carrier the same can not be said for the latest Taiheiyo Kaiun vessel to berth here, as the Sky Pacific is the largest woodchip vessel to enter the port of Bluff.

South port s People The Rowers

January 2006 Vol. 26 No. 1 Published by South Port NZ Ltd South port s People The Rowers South Port s winning team members. From left to right:- Vicky Westwood, Steven Lewis, Chris Ryan, Geoff Finnerty,