Queensland Cotton has collaborated with WANT Cotton to achieve a major milestone in the first export of cotton through Darwin Port.
Queensland Cotton, a subsidiary of Olam Agri, has a long-standing history in the Australian cotton industry and has helped engineer a new supply chain option. Prior to this achievement, cotton ginned at the WANT Cotton Gin was transported back to Queensland to be exported through the Port of Brisbane.
This journey was around 3000 kilometres, and according to Queensland Cotton’s release, there is a chance to greatly reduce fuel expenses and environmental impact if all cotton from the Northern Territory and Western Australia is exported through Darwin.
“I am thrilled that we could come together to help shape a new supply chain option for the Northern Territory,” Meg Strahle, vice president of cotton lint trading for Olam Agri in Australia, said.
“We are grateful for the enthusiastic support from local stakeholders including growers, supply chain providers, Darwin Port, and the WANT Cotton Gin. Looking ahead, we will continue to seek ways to enhance the efficiency of the supply chain.
Ashish Govil, managing director of Olam Agri in Australia, added: “This remarkable collaboration demonstrates how our culture supports innovation at speed.
“We provide our team the freedom to transform – to rise to the challenge, take ownership of decisions, and explore new ways of doing things.
“The packing of containers and delivery of the first shipment through Port Darwin achieved in just two weeks, is testament to this.”
EARLIER DEVELOPMENTS
Earlier this year, it was announced that the cotton gin in Katherine began processing its first cotton bales.
The gin is operated as part of a joint venture between WANT Cotton and LDC which is estimated to 15 people directly per shift with two shifts possible per day. In total, the site will employ more than 30 to work on the site each day ranging from maintenance and shift operational staff.
Previously, Tipperary Station’s David Connolly said the Gin was operating well and has the potential to process 1000 bales of cotton a day, as it begins to work through the 2023 modules stored on the Gin site, north of Katherine.
According to Cotton Australia’s release, the vast majority of Australian cotton is sold offshore. Merchants will direct the NT Cotton through the Ports of Brisbane and Adelaide and now Darwin following the latest developments.