Chatham Islands farmers are waiting for news on the future of the Islands’ main shipping company, and if they will able to keep doing business with the mainland.

Black Robin Freighters was placed in receivership ten days ago.

The service is the islands’ chief trade link, and is particularly important for  shipping livestock.

Chatham Island’s mayor Alfred Preece says farmers face a nervous wait for the receiver’s decision.

“Obviously it’s in the hands of receivers. They have contacted me briefly just to give me a briefing on where things are currently.

"At this stage the shipping service is still running. They’re basically looking to see where to from here.”

Alfred Preece says the process will hopefully lead to an overhaul of shipping services – streamlining shipments and upgrading port infrastructure on the islands.

“The main problem is the ships can come in, and sometimes they can wait there a week before the weather’s suitable for them to get beside the wharf.  

"So with a modern port facility we definitely will be able to run a more cost-effective business.”

Mr Preece says the recession, coupled with the collapse of South Canterbury Finance, brought on Black Robin’s demise.