The entire crew of the Timaru-based MV Buffalo cement ship are being laid off as the company looks to international buyers.
Holcim New Zealand is set to sell the ship to Swiss-based NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers (NACC) by the end of the year.
The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) has condemned Holcim after the company issued a formal notice of termination for the entire crew, effective on December 28, 2025.
Union national secretary Carl Findlay claims that it is a calculated act to undermine New Zealand’s supply chain resilience.
“This vessel is a key piece of infrastructure for keeping New Zealand’s construction industry going,” said Findlay.
The union said Nova Algoma Cement Carriers (NACC) is seeking a Ministerial authorisation under Section 198 of the Maritime Transport Act to operate in New Zealand’s domestic coastal trade for up to three years.
“They have not received the decision from the Ministry of Transport whether they get the exemption for the visa foreign crew workers to come in - so it’s premature laying these guys off - especially so close to Christmas,” said Findlay.
He believed it would be another case of Australia “gobbling up” New Zealand’s highly-skilled workers.
“The crew are all concerned - they want to stay and work in New Zealand. But they feel like a gun’s being held to their head,” said Findlay.
“When are we gonna get it right and help New Zealanders stay and work in their own country?”
Holcim confirmed that crew members were told on July 9 that the MV Buffalo was “no longer viable” and was to be retired and transferred to new ownership late this year.
“Last week, we confirmed our final day of ownership is 28 December, 2025,” Holcim said in a statement.
“With no Holcim vessel after this date, we no longer have any seafaring jobs available at Holcim.
“We have been working with our crew for some time to offer support and transitional services. While many stand to benefit from substantial packages at the end of their employment with Holcim, we appreciate this was very tough news to take.”
The union is calling on Associate Transport Minister and local MP, James Meager to intervene.
“What sort of message is it sending to Kiwis, when Minister Meager isn’t putting a stop to this, when he’s got the power too? Doesn’t he support his local community?” said Findlay.
In a statement provided to NZME, Meager said he cannot comment on the substantive application while it’s still under consideration by the Ministry of Transport.
But the minister said, regardless of any decision on the application, it’s clear the sale of the MV Buffalo is final.
“This is distressing news for local seafarers, and as the local MP my Timaru office is immediately available to assist anyone who is in need of support or services,” said Meager.
The minister remains confident in the resilience of the local maritime industry and the future of seafaring for workers.
“Our ports and seafarers are vital to our exports and trade, and our success as a nation,” said Meager.
“We will have more to say on this once the application process is concluded.”
Holcim said it is planning to have a new, purpose-built pneumatic cement carrier vessel in approximately three years.
“While we were looking at road transport as an interim measure, NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers (NACC) offered to supply a temporary ship,” the company said.
“We remain hopeful that permission is granted, or a compromise is agreed between the Ministry of Transport and NACC. We need a decision very soon to ensure we can provide our customers with certainty of delivery early in the new year.”
- Newstalk ZB