Southern Ports has inked a sweet deal with Australia’s largest sugar refiner to offload its product at the Port of Bunbury.
Southern Ports has inked a sweet deal with Australia’s largest sugar refiner to offload its product at the Port of Bunbury.
Sugar Australia’s specialised sugar bulk carrier MV Pioneer unloaded more than 7,000 tonnes of its food-grade sweetener at the Port of Bunbury this month.
It is the first time in more than two decades sugar has been imported through the port.
Sugar Australia chief operating officer Paul Gregory said improved bulk filling equipment enabled the MV Pioneer to set sail for Western Australia.
“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,” he 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.”
Sugar Australia is better known in WA for its retail brand, CSR.
The MV Pioneer is scheduled to make several trips between Mackay, where Sugar Australia’s product is processed, to Bunbury next year.
It marks a significant expansion to Sugar Australia’s logistics which traditionally has seen the vessel travel between Mackay and Sydney.
Southern Ports chief executive Keith Wilks said Sugar Australia’s custom was testament to the port’s trade capability.
“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,” he said.
“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 supplies crystal sugars and liquid sugar to industrial food and beverage customers, as well as sugar, treacle, and golden syrup for retail.
