One of the world’s largest shipping companies may stop carrying older electric vehicles which could impact New Zealand’s used import market.

AutoTalk understands Japan operated Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has emailed a notice to clients saying it’s considering ending shipments of secondhand EVs such as the Nissan Leaf from Japan although this won’t apply to hybrids or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Autohub chief executive Frank Willett says his company, which specialises in vehicle importing, won’t be affected if MOL stops carrying used EVs.

Willett says he is trying to get a straight answer out of MOL representatives.

 “Since the release of a notice from MOL Japan regarding the cessation of shipping used EVs from Japan to NZ, I have had numerous calls from our customers concerned about the shipping of their used EVs.

“This supposed stance taken by MOL will not affect any vehicles being shipped through Autohub.

 “Autohub uses multiple shipping lines and any prohibitive policy taken by a shipping line can be accommodated by switching which line ships the vehicles

 “We have had recent experience with such a thing when shipping lines took different stances on issues, and we simply changed shipping lines/ports of loading to accommodate.

“Our focus is always on what we can do to best serve our customers in New Zealand,” Willett says.

Other shipping companies Armacup Maritime Services and Toyofuji Shipping NZ have confirmed they will continue bringing battery EVs (BEVs) and PHEVs to New Zealand.

AutoTalk has not seen a copy of MOL’s notice but several sources have confirmed it was sent.

Stuff is also reporting Kiwi dealer Lindsay Routhan received an email confirming the shipping giant would suspend used EVs from its service. 

Mitsui operates roll-on/roll-off vessels which visit New Zealand.

It also operated the Felicity Ace which made global headlines when it caught fire in February this year and then capsized and sank in early March about 400 kilometres off Portugal’s Azores Islands.

It had been carrying nearly 4000 vehicles from various Volkswagen Group brands including fully battery electric models all estimated to be worth around US$400 million.

It was possible the lithium-ion batteries complicated firefighting efforts although what caused the fire has not been confirmed.

*AutoTalk has contacted Mitsui OSK Lines for more information.