THE WORLD’S only specialised food grade bulk refined sugar vessel has made the first shipment of sugar to the Port of Bunbury in two decades.More than 7000 tonnes of sugar has been unloaded from Sugar Australia’s Pioneer.Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks welcomed Sugar Australia as its newest customer. “Sugar Australia’s decision to service its WA-based customers through our Port of Bunbury is testament to the capability of our ports, our teams, and our ability to manage the bespoke requirements that come with managing diverse trade,” Mr Wilks said.“These capabilities coupled with berths that back onto substantial laydown area means the Port of Bunbury is often the port of choice for incoming trade that requires temporary storage before it heads to Perth, Collie or elsewhere in our state’s south.“Sugar Australia has a long, storied history working with an important section of the nation’s agriculture sector, so it’s pleasing to welcome them as a new customer.”Sugar Australia is Australia’s largest sugar refiner and supplies crystal sugars and liquid sugar to industrial food and beverage customers, as well as consumer crystal sugar, treacle and golden syrup under its retail brand CSR.The Queensland-grown sugar was processed at Sugar Australia’s Racecourse Refinery in Mackay before being transported around the country to Bunbury.Previously Pioneer has predominantly travelled between Mackay and Sydney prior to Sugar Australia investing in supply chain capability enhancements this year.Sugar Australia Chief Operating Officer Paul Gregory said improved onboard bulk filling equipment enabled the company to expand Pioneer’s service to WA customers.“The Port of Bunbury was selected for its location, flexibility and capacity to support the unloading of a high-volume cargo vessel, with a capacity of over 20,000 tonnes,” Mr Gregory said.“Sustainability is a priority for Sugar Australia, so the Port of Bunbury’s commitment to ethical and responsible environmental practices was integral to our burgeoning partnership.“Sugar Australia is excited about its new partnership with Southern Ports and appreciates the support and flexibility the team have demonstrated for this year’s first voyage.”The Pioneer is scheduled to make multiple trips between Mackay and the Port of Bunbury during 2025.Sugar adds to the more than 16 commodities traded through Southern Ports’ three ports at Bunbury, Esperance and Albany.
