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New shipping service delivers opportunities for the North
COSCO SHIPPING LINES, one of the world’s biggest shipping liner conglomerates, today begins a new fortnightly service directly linking Townsville with destinations in China, Northern Australia and the South Pacific. The CAP (China/Australia/Pacific) service will create additional opportunities and improved efficiencies for Northern Australia’s mining, construction and retail industries. Port of Townsville Chief Operating Officer Drew Penny said the service would strengthen ties with Townsville’s leading trade locations by offering more comprehensive coverage of the Port’s most popular trading routes. “Approximately 75 per cent of the Port of Townsville’s annual trade is with Asia, and up to 25 per cent specifically with China,” said Mr Penny. “The additional services will enable flow-on benefits for the people of Northern Australia including greater connectivity, more efficient supply chains, and cost-savings on a large range of project cargo and general goods.” Exports from Townsville to China are dominated by mineral concentrates and containerised refined metals, while China to Townsville imports are led by a diverse range of general cargo including containerised mining consumables, solar panels, iron, steel materials, furniture and household goods. In addition to directly connecting Townsville with ports in Darwin, Yangpu, Hong Kong, Port Moresby, Cebu and Lae, the service would utilise its ports in China to link with supply chains across the world. Yangpu port will act as a tranship hub for cargo between Townsville and North East Asia, South East Asia and South Asia, while Hong Kong will be the tranship hub for rest of the world. The new service is well-timed for the Port of Townsville, following the recent construction of a Container and Cargo Terminal at Berth 4. “Since 2016, the Port of Townsville has invested more than $70 million to upgrade the wharf on Berth 4 and construct the new Container and Cargo Terminal, effectively doubling the berth’s container handling capacity,” said Mr Penny. “It is encouraging to see the opportunities for growth in containerised cargo flowing with this new service.” COSCO SHIPPING LINES joins ANL Container Line, PAE Mariana and Swire Shipping to directly link North Queensland to the rest of the world.
New Board member provides further diversity
The Port of Townsville is pleased to welcome the appointment of local Townsville lawyer Connie Navarro and the reappointment of Townsville businessman Brad Webb to the Board of Directors. Ms Navarro, who has lived in Townsville for more than 20 years, has a wealth of experience in the law, specialising in agribusiness, mining, energy and resources and infrastructure. Mr Webb, who operates a multi-million-dollar property and transport business and founded North Queensland based charity, Food Relief NQ, was reappointed and has served on the Board since 2011. Port of Townsville Chair Renita Garard said it was important to bolster the Board’s breadth of experience and skills further. ``Connie’s appointment will add diversity on our Board, providing legal skills and a strong understanding of industries in the region as we embark on the next chapter of our development which includes undertaking the biggest infrastructure project in the Port’s 156-year history, the $193m Channel Upgrade project,’’ she said. ``As the Secretary of MITEZ (Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone), Ms Navarro also appreciates the significance of the world’s richest mineral producing areas, the North West Mineral Province and the region's abundant agriculture opportunities to the Port and North Queensland’s economy. ``I am also particularly pleased about the re-appointment of Brad Webb who has been a vital part of steering the direction of the Port for the past decade. His experience in construction and development is invaluable, and he has an unwavering commitment to supporting local industry and jobs and growth for North Queensland.’’ Ms Navarro, who was a partner and senior lawyer practising in Townsville, and last year founded boutique law firm Connie Navarro Legal, said she was excited to help steer the Port with its future plans. ``The Port of Townsville is crucial to development and I am looking forward to being part of the team that is helping to shape the future of North Queensland,’’ she said. Mr Webb said that he was pleased to continue his involvement with the development of the Port, which was one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure for our city, region, state and country. ``More than ever in these unprecedented times, the development of our Port and its ability and capacity to grow will help with the economic recovery of our region and I am pleased to be part of this journey moving forward.’’