- New import deals for Port of Esperance to further diversify trade
- Imports offer improved local supply for regional producers
- $2.6 million in shed improvements to support trade growth
Miners and growers in the Goldfields-Esperance region will benefit from improved local supply of critical products following new import deals at the Port of Esperance.
In a first for the port, Pacific Lime and Cement successfully discharged more than 10,400 tonnes of bagged quicklime from the Karla Bulker, delivered in just under 7,000 1,500-kilogram bulker bags and unloaded using the vessel's cranes.
The quicklime, which is used in mineral processing operations across the Goldfields-Esperance region, was sourced from Pacific Lime and Cement's Chinese partners and supports regional supply chains while the company continues to develop its quicklime operations in Papua New Guinea as a future source of imports.
Following a successful trial last year, Southern Ports has also entered a new agreement with CSBP which will see around 50,000 tonnes of fertiliser unloaded and stored on site at the port before being transported offsite.
To support the new agreements, $2.6 million in improvement works on Shed 5 at the port have been completed this month, including concrete flooring, structural remediation of the columns, roof trusses and conveyor infrastructure, and refurbishment of the weighbridge.
The new trade further extends diversification at the Port of Esperance, with Southern Ports welcoming its newest iron ore customer, Yilgarn Iron, in December.
Last year, the Port of Esperance handled 8.2 million tonnes of trade for 24 customers across 22 different commodities, underscoring its growing role as a diversified and resilient regional gateway.
As stated by Ports and Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Diversifying trade at Esperance positions the port for long-term growth and reinforces the port's role as a critical gateway for the region's economy.
"Efficient access to critical imports like fertiliser underpins the agricultural sector - it sets up our growers for the bumper seasons like the one we're experiencing this year.
"Backed by the Cook Government's $2.6 million infrastructure upgrades, the Port of Esperance is well positioned to support growing and more diverse trade into the future."
As stated by Acting Mines and Petroleum and Goldfields-Esperance Minister Don Punch:
"With the support of Southern Ports, customers like Pacific Lime and Cement are developing a more efficient supply chain for the Goldfields-Esperance by shipping products directly to the region.
"We welcome the efforts of Pacific Lime and Cement to establish Esperance as a regional hub providing services throughout the Goldfields-Esperance and look forward to regular shipments through the port in the future."
As stated by Southern Ports chief executive officer Keith Wilks:
"Export opportunities have traditionally been the driving force behind our three ports, but we know that importing through regional ports is a chance for suppliers to more directly service their customers.
"Whether its exporting or importing, Southern Ports is committed to working with customers to connect regional industry and build resilience into both our operations and the region's supply chain."
