TypeAgencyDate Range1980-2007DescriptionIn May 1980 Tasman Union Ltd, which was owned by TNT Australia and NZ Maritime Holdings (and since 1971 the controlling company of the Union Steam Ship Company), changed its name to Union Shipping Group Ltd. Its head office was in Wellington. Its primary subsidiary was the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand.
Other subsidaries of the Union Shipping Group took over certain functions previously part of the Union Steam Ship Company operations. They were Union Maritime Services Ltd which acted as shipping agents, and stevedores and terminal managers; Union Travel Ltd which operated as travel agents and tour operators; Union Engineering Ltd that were marine and general engineers; and Executive Printing (1977) Ltd.
In November 1982 Union Travel merged its interests with Thomas Cook Pty Ltd in New Zealand and Fiji. In 1983 the head office of Union Shipping Group was moved to Auckland. In 1987, when the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand Ltd became a nominal company only, its operations were taken over by Union Shipping New Zealand, which had one subsidiary, New Zealand Offshore Services Ltd. In 1989, Brierley Investments Ltd (BIL) took its holding in Union Shipping Group Ltd to 50% and made a full takeover in 1996.
Gradually during the 1980s and 1990s Union Shipping Group's subsidiary companies and shipping assets were sold, particularly after the takeover by BIL. In 1997, BIL sold Union Shipping Group to Holyman, excluding the New Zealand-based businesses. BIL retained New Zealand coastal shipping businesses and properties in Auckland and Wellignton. Union Shipping New Zealand and Union Shipping Bulk ceased to exist in 2000. The last sales of ships were completed in 2001. Union Shipping Group Ltd was finally struck off the Companies Register in February 2007.
