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March 17, 2026
#national: Global shipping disruptions and fuel surge pressure Aotearoa seafood exports
Dale Husband
Posted On March 17, 2026
Download AudioNew Zealand’s seafood sector is beginning to feel the strain of rising fuel costs and disrupted shipping routes as tensions in the Middle East ripple through global trade networks.
For exporters reliant on stable freight routes and predictable shipping schedules, the escalating crisis is creating uncertainty at a time when the industry is already navigating tight margins and fluctuating international demand.
Steve Tarrant, Alternate Director at Sealord and Chief Executive of Moana New Zealand, says the impact of the crisis is being felt across multiple parts of the export supply chain. With more than two decades of experience in the seafood industry, he says operators are closely monitoring shipping routes and fuel costs as global instability continues to affect logistics.
Moana New Zealand exports seafood to markets across Asia, North America and Europe, relying on international freight networks to move high-value product quickly and reliably. Disruptions to shipping routes in key global corridors have begun to slow movement and increase the cost of transporting goods to overseas markets.
Fuel price increases are also placing additional pressure on the sector. Marine diesel is a major cost for fishing vessels and processing operations, meaning fluctuations in energy prices can significantly affect the economics of harvesting and transporting seafood.
The combination of rising marine fuel costs and uncertain shipping schedules is creating immediate pressure points for exporters. Industry operators are reporting longer transit times, higher freight charges and increased complexity in maintaining product freshness for international markets.
Some exporters have already been forced to divert shipments or adjust delivery plans as freight options tighten. For seafood producers working with perishable product, any disruption to transport schedules can have serious financial consequences.
Moana New Zealand is working to adapt to the changing conditions by reviewing logistics arrangements and strengthening contingency planning to ensure seafood continues reaching key markets. Maintaining reliable supply chains remains critical not only for the company’s commercial operations but also for the iwi shareholders and coastal communities connected to the business.
The seafood industry plays a significant role in the Māori economy, with many iwi holding substantial fishing interests through quota and commercial partnerships. Ensuring the sector remains resilient through global disruptions is therefore seen as vital for protecting jobs, export revenue and long-term economic development for Māori communities.
Managing rising operational costs is another challenge for seafood companies. Higher fuel expenses affect everything from harvesting and vessel operations to processing, refrigeration and distribution. Balancing those costs while maintaining viable returns for iwi partners and sustaining employment across regional communities is becoming increasingly complex.
Industry leaders say policy settings and government support could play an important role in helping exporters navigate the current volatility. Improved coordination around shipping logistics, energy resilience and export support are among the areas where the sector believes targeted action could help maintain stability.
While global shipping networks have faced disruptions before, the combination of geopolitical instability, higher energy prices and fragile supply chains means the seafood sector is entering a period of heightened uncertainty.
For exporters like Moana New Zealand, the priority is keeping seafood moving to international markets while protecting the economic interests of iwi shareholders and the coastal communities that depend on the industry. As the Middle East crisis continues to shape global energy and shipping conditions, the resilience of New Zealand’s seafood supply chain will be tested in the months ahead.
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