NEWCASTLE'S new grain port is up and running and the maiden shipment it loaded this week highlights its potential to open up new export opportunities.
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Newcaslte Agri Terminal (NAT), the first major grain port development in NSW in more than 25 years, saw 28,000 tonnes of sent of durum wheat to Algeria aboard the MV North Princess.
Australian Durum Company (ADC) commissioned the shipment, which NAT loaded at its facilities located at Newcastle Port’s No. 2 Dyke berth.
ADC director, Peter Howard, said he believes it is the first time that Australian durum has been shipped to Algeria.
About thirty-five durum growers were involved in the shipment, which bodes well for future opportunities, he said.
“The new terminal will add value for growers on the Liverpool Plains and in NSW generally," Mr Howard said.
ADC is part of the Graintrend Group which specialises in the export of pulses to the Indian Sub-continent, wheat to South East Asia and sorghum and barley to China.
“NAT has been extremely helpful in organizing the cargo which augurs well for future shipments."
"Graintrend is excited about the prospect of exporting bulk vessels of chickpeas from NAT as this was not possible from Newcastle previously,” he said.
NAT executive director Jock Carter said the new facility has five silos comprising 60,000t of storage and will have the capability to unload trains and load large vessels at 2000t per hour.
Mike Foley
Senior journalist for The Land.
Senior journalist for The Land.
