A NEW port facility has been built in Timor-Leste to allow larger ships to call the small nation, according to Swire Shipping.
In an operational update, Swire Shipping confirmed the terminal is expected to commence cargo handling operations at the end of September.
The new port is located in Tibar Bay, around 10 kilometres to the west of Port of Dili, the only international port in Timor-Leste until now.
Plans for the Tibar Bay facility originated from talks in 2016 between the Timor-Leste government and Timor Ports, a subsidiary of Bolloré Ports, who agreed port congestion at Port of Dili was increasing.
Swire Shipping said once the cargo operations start later this month, all imports and exports currently going through Dili would be transferred to Tibar.
“This new state of the art terminal will allow a much wider range and size of vessel to call in Timor-Leste, predicted to result in more efficient operations and services for both carriers and our customers,” the company said.
“Swire Shipping is currently finalising with Timor Ports SA what the new operating environment will look like and the final timing of the change, we will advise further on this soon.”
Swire Shipping noted the facility upgrade and changes to schedules would come at a cost.
“We are looking at the Tibar cost increases that will need to be recovered via updated local charges.
“As soon as this is finalised, we will advise of any updates required.”
According to its website, Swire Shipping currently offers a direct, fortnightly service between Singapore and Dili accepting containerised, out of gauge and hazardous cargo.
