Coal ships under scrutiny

Solid Energy is still contemplating building three coal ships to increase coal exports from the West Coast.

"The proposal is still on the table," said spokesman Vicki Blyth.

Solid Energy chief executive Don Elder said last September that long-term commercial plans had been made to move coal by means other than rail, after Toll placed speed and weight restrictions on transport due to the poor state of the track.

The Government has since promised to spend $200 million on the line, but Elder said this would not prompt the company to change its plans.

Blyth said a contract for commissioning the three-deck ships was being seriously discussed and Solid Energy was seeking expressions of interest to build, own, and operate motorised barges.

- NZPA