New Zealand's shipping industry is looking forward to a brighter future, but trade experts warn it will not be an overnight fix. There had been concerns over the rising cost of freight and fees for failing to return empty shipping containers on time. Photo: 123RF The industry has faced more than a year of disruption due to Covid-19, shipping companies miscalculating global demand, industrial action in Australia, congested ports and the Suez Canal blockage among other challenges. New Zealand Port Company chief executive group spokesperson Charles Finny said together it created a perfect storm. "It's been a very tough year to 18 months in terms of the supply chain," he said.