Local seafaring jobs are under threat by multinational cement company Holcim and Nova Algoma Cement Carriers Limited (NACC) who plan to replace a New Zealand-crewed vessel with a foreign-flagged and crewed ship.
New Zealand’s maritime unions are calling on the government to urgently intervene to keep skilled jobs.
The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ), the Merchant Service Guild (MSG), and the Aviation and Marine Engineers Association (AMEA) say Holcim is trying to orchestrate the replacement of the domestic cement carrier MV Buffalo and its Kiwi crew with the Panamanian-flagged NACC VEGA crewed by a foreign charter crew.
This would place up to 32 seagoing jobs in jeopardy.
“This is a direct assault on New Zealand seafarers and their families,” says MUNZ Auckland Branch Local 13 Secretary Grant Williams.
“At a time when Kiwis are facing economic tough times, Holcim is choosing to dump its loyal, skilled workforce for a cheaper, foreign Flag of Convenience and Crew of Convenience vessel. This is another blow to New Zealand’s coastal shipping industry.”
The unions warn the consequences extend far beyond the immediate job losses.
“Every job lost means less tax paid in New Zealand and one less skilled professional contributing to our national maritime capability,” said Mr Williams.
“Relying on foreign shipping leaves our essential supply chains vulnerable. Granting this permit will signal a race to the bottom that our domestic shipping industry simply cannot win.”
Mr Williams says the situation shows a lack of commitment and social responsibility by Holcim, which makes substantial profits from its New Zealand business.
The situation began in February 2025 when Holcim started a consultation process to replace the MV Buffalo, citing its age and high operating costs.
An initial proposal that would have seen the Kiwi crew offered fixed-term contracts until the end of 2025 collapsed in July, with Holcim providing no reasons for the failure.
In response, MUNZ has filed a case with the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) focused on the disadvantage clause in the Collective Agreement, and the statutory right of cooks and stewards to transfer to the new employer.
The existing Collective Agreement includes a clause intended to protect employees from being disadvantaged if work is contracted out or the business is sold or transferred.
The case also seeks the transfer of cooks and stewards employed to meet crew requirements, claiming their entitlement to transfer to the new vessel under the provisions of Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act.
The parties have been to mediation but were not able to reach agreement. NACC is now seeking a New Zealand government authorisation for the NACC VEGA to operate in New Zealand’s domestic trade for 12 months, starting from October 2025.
The unions are putting the pressure squarely on the government to enforce New Zealand law.
Under section 198 of the Maritime Transport Act, the Minister of Transport can only authorise a foreign vessel to work the coast if no suitable New Zealand ship is available.
“The law is crystal clear, and so is the choice for the Minister,” says Mr Williams.
“The MV Buffalo is a suitable New Zealand ship that is available to do this work.
Holcim’s own documents confirm this. The Government must reject this application from NACC.”
