May 16, 2025

Save our tankers – fuel security for New Zealand

Following the decision to close Marsden Point refinery, petrol companies want to import refined fuel to our ports with overseas shipping. This means the two coastal tankers on the New Zealand coast MT Kokako and MT Matuku will be removed from service.

New Zealand will then be completely reliant on overseas shipping to supply our fuel – with no backup.

Maritime workers are campaigning to keep our New Zealand crewed coastal tankers in action to protect our fuel security. We want the petrol companies to put fuel security for New Zealand first, not corporate profit.

New Zealand tankers can move fuel internationally to New Zealand ports. This would provide fuel security and a dedicated, safe and skilled New Zealand workforce going into the future.

More info and updated website coming soon at fuelsecurity.nz

Download our new flyer here.

Contact the Maritime Union here.

Media enquiries about the campaign here.

Joint statement from Maritime Union of New Zealand and NZ Merchant Service Guild (21 December 2021).