Debut for giant car carrier

Giant car and truck carrier the Silverstone Express arrives at Ports of Auckland's Jellicoe Wharf for the first time today.

The roll-on, roll-off vessel was launched in January and is capable of carrying "high and heavy" cargo.

It will call at Auckland once a month as part of a new North America Pacific (Napa) service.

The service, operated by Partner Shipping AS and co-managed by Praxis Logistics, is expected to mostly carry heavy machinery and heavy vehicles to New Zealand.

Partner Shipping is a Norwegian company established in July 2008 with a goal of growing car shipping activities globally.

The Napa service travels from Los Angeles to Grays Harbor, Singapore, Fremantle, Melbourne, Port Kembla, Brisbane, Auckland and Los Angeles.

Shipping Agencies is the New Zealand agent.

The route is designed to cater for imports from North America to South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, as well as break bulk exports from Australia and New Zealand back to North America.

"We are seeing strong market demand for roll-on, roll-off and automotive shipping services in the Pacific Basin," said Ports of Auckland chief financial officer Wayne Thompson.

"We're also pleased to see a new service option for exporters looking to target the United States."

The Silverstone Express has a capacity of 3900 cars.

- NZPA