NEPTUNE Pacific is strengthening its Central Pacific shipping network with the addition of a new vessel, increasing capacity and flexibility across key island markets.
The ICS Silver Lining will join the Neptune Pacific fleet in November and begin servicing its MICROPAC trade from December, operating between Kiribati, Fiji and the Marshall Islands.
The 766-TEU multi-purpose vessel, built in 2005, has capacity for 120 reefers and is equipped with two on board cranes, making it suited to South Pacific port operations.
The vessel’s addition will allow Neptune Pacific’s Southern Pearl to be redeployed to the INTRAPAC service, which calls at Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna.
Neptune Pacific said the combined changes would provide increased capacity per voyage and greater operational flexibility across the Central Pacific.
The network will also benefit from additional capacity for reefer and project cargo, greater flexibility to respond to changing demand and a stronger ability to maintain connections to and within the highly import-dependent region.
“This is an important milestone in the continued growth of our regional network, where container shipping plays a vital role in enabling trade. Our ongoing investment and expansion will continue to empower the island nations and communities we serve,” Neptune Pacific president Kim A Kristensen said.
Following the redeployment of the Southern Pearl, the Capitaine Wallis which currently services INTRAPAC, will remain in the Neptune Pacific fleet.
The company said retaining the vessel would provide operational flexibility, support project cargo and enable additional capacity in and around the Central Pacific.
The ICS Silver Lining is expected to commence sailing on the MICROPAC service from December.
Neptune Pacific said the latest fleet addition reflected its long-term commitment to serving island markets through local employment, continued fleet investment and expansion of its Pacific operations.
The move is part of a broader development of the company’s shipping network, with further initiatives underway to enhance services and connections across the Pacific.
