GLADSTONE Ports Corporation and ANL have partnered to add a Gladstone call to the shipping company’s Asia PNG Express (APR) service.
GPC welcomed the partnership as a milestone for containerisation at the port. The company said it has been looking for opportunities to develop and diversify trade.
GPC CEO Craig Haymes said he was thrilled to welcome ANL to the port.
“As a shipping line with a diverse product offering, they understand the importance of direct connections into key regional ports,” Mr Haymes said.
“This is the first step in growing container trade, and we are committed to developing and improving this trade and precinct to encourage future growth in central Queensland.
“GPC are getting ready for major economic development, growth and trade for regional Queensland and for Australia.
“The Port of Gladstone has capacity to handle a variety of trade through its precincts, with the announcement today only further cementing our position as a leading multi commodity port.”
Lincoln Dundas, general manager – intra Oceania trades at ANL, said the Gladstone hinterland is home to a fast-growing agricultural sector which the businesses hope to support.
“The addition of a direct call to Gladstone provides more options to importers and exporters with connections to and from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Papua New Guinea,” Mr Dundas said.
“We are excited to see what can be achieved with GPC as we expand the APR service.”
And transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey said the partnership would be an “exciting” opportunity for Queenslanders.
“It’s fantastic to see GPC announcing the partnership today with ANL; we are seeing the lead carrier for the CMA CGM Group in Oceania calling into central Queensland,” Mr Bailey said.
“This is the first step in what really will be GPC’s expansion into new and emerging commodities, which in turn will support more good jobs – great news for Queenslanders.”
Mr Bailey said the state government is encouraging regional industries to use the local service as the government works to build a new container hub in central Queensland.
