Kiwi Jobs on the Line: Maritime Unions Urge Government to Block Foreign Ship ReplacementLocal seafaring jobs are under threat by multinational cement company Holcim and Nova Algoma Cement Carriers Limited (NACC) who plan to replace a New Zealand-crewed vessel with a foreign-flagged and crewed ship. New Zealand’s maritime unions are calling on the government to urgently intervene to keep skilled jobs. - Sponsor Promotion -“This is a direct assault on New Zealand seafarers and their families,” says MUNZ Auckland Branch Local 13 Secretary Grant Williams. This is another blow to New Zealand’s coastal shipping industry.”The unions warn the consequences extend far beyond the immediate job losses. Under section 198 of the Maritime Transport Act, the Minister of Transport can only authorise a foreign vessel to work the coast if no suitable New Zealand ship is available.