Pilbara connects to Asia with new freight service
(Posted on 24/02/21)
A new commercial freight shipping service connecting Western Australia’s Pilbara region to the major international shipping hub of Singapore has been secured by Rio Tinto. The service will provide the company with a quicker, cheaper and cleaner alternative to the existing freight delivery route via Perth, helping to drive regional economic development and local job creation.
The regular freight service commenced with the arrival of the MCP Graz at the Port of Dampier from Singapore today. The vessel delivered essential maintenance supplies for Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s operations in the Pilbara, including rail wagon wheels, wagon parts, oil and lubricants. Future shipments are expected to include tyres for heavy earth moving equipment, conveyor belts, rail wagon and locomotive parts and mining consumables.
The service is also open for use by local businesses in the north-west of Australia, providing companies operating in the region with better access to international markets and more efficient movement of freight.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore managing director of Port, Rail and Core Services, Richard Cohen, said, “This is an important new service that connects the Pilbara to the rest of the world via the major international shipping hub of Singapore. It will provide a number of benefits by delivering cheaper, cleaner and faster freight to the region.
“It is an important breakthrough not only for our business, but it will also provide a great opportunity for the local Pilbara economy by helping to unlock small business growth and supporting job creation.”
Rio Tinto expects the service to reduce the lead-time for goods in to the Pilbara by six to 10 days compared with freight via Fremantle. Additionally, it’s expected to provide an annual saving of around three million litres of diesel fuel by reducing road train travel from Perth by more than 3.8 million kilometres.
Over time, Rio Tinto is hopeful that more than 50 per cent of its freight requirements to the Pilbara will utilise this service, increasing the speed of delivery and lowering costs. The vessel capacity of the freight service will be 350 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent) with Toll Global Forwarding and other freight forwarders offering a service for smaller volumes on the vessel.
Peter Stokes, President Global Logistics Toll Group, said, “This dedicated container vessel service from Singapore to Dampier will enable enormous possibilities to deliver more efficient supply chains to the Pilbara region.
“Toll Group is heavily invested in the north of Western Australia and is one of the largest employers in the Pilbara region. We are proud to be partnering with Rio Tinto on this landmark project which will provide businesses in the north with a significant opportunity to access international imports and exports.”
Latest News
Port of Antwerp-Bruges growth despite challenges
(Posted on 23/10/24)After nine months, Port of Antwerp-Bruges saw a total throughput of 210.5 million tonnes, an increase... Read more
Expanded Oshawa Grain Terminal begins test loads
(Posted on 19/10/24)The improved Port of Oshawa Grain Export Terminal in Ontario has reached an important milestone, welcoming... Read more
King Willem-Alexander and King Philip open New Lock in Terneuzen
(Posted on 15/10/24)His Majesty the King Willem-Alexander and His Majesty the King of the Belgians Filip jointly opened... Read more
Ducat’s West Africa rice milestone highlights advanced logistical methods
(Posted on 14/10/24)Ducat Maritime, a leader in global maritime logistics, has announced that it has successfully shipped... Read more
International port stakeholders sign declaration to decarbonise global shipping
(Posted on 14/10/24)The Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), has concluded with representatives of various ports, international... Read more
Logistec appoints Cleidy Liborio Fernandes CCO to accelerate growth
(Posted on 08/10/24)LOGISTEC, a leading North American marine and environmental services provider, has announced the appointment... Read more
Hamburg and Singapore begin strategic partnership
(Posted on 08/10/24)The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and the Maritime and Port Authority Singapore (MPA) have signed a letter... Read more
Xeneta: US port strike ends, but supply chains to take weeks to recover
(Posted on 04/10/24)Strike action at ports on the US East and Gulf Coast have ended after a new wage agreement was reached... Read more
Successful Rotterdam moveable shore power pilot
(Posted on 01/10/24)In recent months, a pilot with moveable battery containers with shore power has taken place at the Steinweg... Read more
Maqta Gateway and Presight sign strategic AI-powered solutions agreement
(Posted on 01/10/24)Maqta Gateway, part of AD Ports Group’s Digital Cluster, has announced the signing of a Partnering... Read more
