Historical Bulk Water Shipment Leaves New Zealand
Online, June 23, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The first known shipment of bulk mineral water has been successfully exported from New Zealand to Japan. The shipment was a physical trial commissioned by Mr. Hideaki Fukutake, CEO of EFU Investments New Zealand and facilitated by Aqua Naida Limited.
To implement the trial successfully, a joint effort was required between a group of Japanese and New Zealand companies. Mineral water is one of the most sensitive consumables to process safely. In addition; the logistical, cultural, and regulatory challenges of shipping to Japan added an extra element of complexity, which required detailed planning and coordination on both sides.
The intent of the trial was to prove the physical feasibility of processing and exporting mineral water in bulk 24,000L flexi tanks. These tanks are large bladders that inflate inside a 20FT shipping container, in effect maximizing container space and reducing freight costs. The water is then discharged and bottled locally.
This concept has long been discussed and promoted in the international mineral water industry, the theory being that bulk water shipping can significantly reduce the cost of supplying imported water to foreign markets. However, very few (if any) companies have managed to take this concept from theory to full scale commercial application.
The key barrier has been implementing the complete systems management and scale required to launch a successful bulk water operation.
EFU Investment and Aqua Naida are proud to announce that the success of this trial proves the physical feasibility of shipping New Zealand mineral water in bulk to foreign markets in the Northern Hemisphere.
The safety of the water upon arrival passed regulatory standards for import and sale in Japan. This was proven with certified laboratory analysis conducted in New Zealand prior to shipment, and upon arrival at Tokyo port. The water was then bottled at one of Japans leading plants.
The water itself was extracted from beneath a deep spring in the North Island and purified to international standards. This process removes the threat of harmful elements while maintaining the integrity of the water and mineral content.
Typically the water is then sealed in a small PET bottle, however in this case the same quality was achieved with a 24,000L tank.
This trial has put New Zealand in the spotlight as a world leader in bulk mineral water expertise, logistics and supply to prominent international markets. The next step of a large scale commercial operation is now a tangible proposal.
In addition, New Zealand's capability to supply drought or disaster stricken regions with drinkable water in bulk flexi-tanks is now a proven option.
Enquiries regarding the trial can be made to EFU Investments; nhashimoto@efu.co.nz, or Aqua Naida Limited, andy@aquanaida.com