New Kyokuyo Vessel M/V Nagato Reefer Calls Wilmington

The Port of Wilmington will welcome the arrival of Kyokuyo Shipping Company’s newest vessel, the “Nagato Reefer”, on her maiden voyage on Monday May 21st.  Kyokuyo Shipping Co. Ltd. is one of the world’s major reefer shipping lines, who specialize in the transportation of New Zealand meat, fish and fruits.  Kyokuyo has been using Wilmington as its main port of call in the US since 1991.  Kyokuyo is operating the meat and fish trade to Wilmington year round, and during the spring, its ships carry New Zealand apples, pears and kiwi fruit for Enza New Zealand International and Zespri International.  In 2000 Kyokuyo carried over 100,000 tons of New Zealand food products to Wilmington. 

Kyokuyo’s strong relationship with Wilmington has helped to develop the Port’s special niche in refrigerated cargo, especially in the area of frozen meat imports.  The Port has dedicated high quality cold storage warehouses for meat imports.  When the meat arrives in Wilmington it is discharged, inspected and cleared for entry by the US Department of Agriculture – Food Safety and Inspection Service personnel stationed at the port.  Most of the meat is stored at the Port’s cold storage warehouses, and distributed from Wilmington.  The imported beef is destined primarily for US meat grinders, processors and fast food suppliers, who blend it with American beef to produce higher quality and better tasting hamburgers.

The Port of Wilmington will welcome the “Nagato Reefer” with a plaque presentation ceremony.   She will call in Wilmington with New Zealand beef, as well as New Zealand apples and kiwi fruit.  The vessel was built at Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation in Japan and was completed in December 15, 2000.  She is 135.03 meters long, and has a cargo capacity of more than 404,000 cubic feet.  She can sail at a maximum speed of 19 knots, and is operated by 23 crewmembers.  The vessel loaded the cargo for this voyage at the New Zealand ports of Whangarei, Tauranga, Dunedin, Alston and Napier. The M/V Nagato Reefer is a sister vessel to the M/V Chikuma Reefer, the M/V Mogami Reefer.

Founded in 1923, the Port of Wilmington is an important asset for the local and regional economy, generating more than 5,800 jobs and contributing over $22 million in annual tax revenues to State and local government.  The Port is owned and operated by the Diamond State Port Corporation, a corporation of the State of Delaware.  For further information, digital photos, free tours of the Port and free speakers contact:  Vered Nohi-Becker, Marketing Services Manager at the Port of Wilmington @ (302) 472-7819, e-mail: vnbecker@port.state.de.us