The Port of Newcastle, in New South Wales, has launched a new regular container service, allowing for cost-effective and efficient importing and exporting opportunities.
The Port’s newly expanded Multipurpose Terminal is expected to provide consumer goods, industrial, and agribusiness customers throughout the Hunter, North West and Liverpool Plains with new cost-effective and efficient options for importing and exporting.
The service, delivered by Neptune Pacific Direct Lines (NPDL), will see the Port become a regular call for container vessels, with import and export opportunities between Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
The Port’s new NPDL container service will initially run on a monthly basis, with a view to increase to a fortnightly service based on demand, with the next service call scheduled for 14 October 2023.
Port of Newcastle Executive Manager Business Development, Matthew Swan, said the service formally kicked-off with the arrival of the NPDL container vessel, Capitiane Dampier on 16 September, which included the exchange of both import and export containers.
“We see this new service as an important step in growing container trade at the Port of Newcastle and in completing the missing link in the supply chain for growers, farmers and producers in North Western New South Wales, looking to access South Pacific markets or even transhipment opportunities,” Mr Swan said.
“Around one third of New South Wales container exports originate in the Hunter and North West and we know agribusinesses in these areas in particular have been vocal in wanting a complete and more efficient agricultural supply chain solution.
“One of the direct benefits of exporting through our expanded Multipurpose Terminal is the ability for customers to be able to pick up empty containers from the berth-side storage area, have them delivered and packed on site before returning them to the Port for export.
“This will not only mean significant savings in landside costs for customers, but an all-round more efficient and convenient service, which is further enhanced by the Port‘s two on berth Liebherr LHM 550 Mobile Harbour Cranes and direct access to national heavy road and rail networks,” Mr Swan said.
Featured image: New container service at the Port of Newcastle in New South Wales. Image: Port of Newcastle
