A new arrangement between Ernslaw One, KiwiRail and Napier Port is seeing a log train run daily on the Napier-Palmerston North line, five days a week directly to Napier Port.
The 19 wagons, carrying 600 tonnes of logs, are taking 21 logging trucks off the road, replacing the daily freight train that used to depart from Tangiwai Mill with WPI timber, lumber and pulp to Napier Port.
Following the closure of Tangiwai Mill in the Ruapehu District, Ernslaw One has found a solution to getting its logs out of Karioi Forest and over to Napier Port.
Thanks to collaboration with KiwiRail, Napier Port, McCarthy Transport and Qube Ports, Ernslaw made its first log delivery by rail from Karioi Forest to Napier Port on Monday, January 27.
All parties acknowledged the efforts of Andy Watson, Mayor of Rangitīkei District Council, who was instrumental in facilitating discussions in the region.
Steve Couper, SNI Regional Manager for Ernslaw One, said that despite the mill closing, the company wanted to continue production and keep its contractors in work.
“The move away from road cartage to rail has many advantages,” he said.
“It is a safety gain for the logging truck drivers, as well as for other road users and local residents.
“We approached KiwiRail and Napier Port to negotiate a deal that would make it feasible, and after some pencil sharpening, we’ve been able to get this agreement in place and get these logs on to rail.”
Napier Port CEO Todd Dawson said there are wins in this for everyone involved.
“It’s a great example of how export NZ benefits when everyone in the supply chain works together on sensible, efficient solutions that are sustainable and commercially viable for all parties,” he added.
“Being flexible for customers is a Napier Port priority and we adjusted our landside logistics and port operations to receive Ernslaw’s logs by rail; cargo we previously received processed as timber, lumber and pulp from WPI.
“We have increasing volumes of freight from the Central and Lower North Island, and rail is an important part of connecting these customers with the many international shipping services that call Napier Port.”
He said the announcement is positive for communities in both the Ruapehu District and Hawke’s Bay, but reminded people in those regions to be careful around increased freight activity on the line.
KiwiRail Executive General Manager Freight and Rolling Stock Operations Paul Ashton agreed that the benefits to the region are huge.
“Removing so many trucks from this road, which is complex to maintain due to its many bends and steep grades, will greatly reduce road deterioration,” he said.
“The more freight carried by rail on long journeys, the lower New Zealand’s total transport emissions, and the lower the carbon footprint of KiwiRail’s customers.
“This is a great result, and we appreciate the collaboration of all parties who have worked together to make this possible.”
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