Southern Ports’ Port of Bunbury received its first shipment of sugar in two decades with more than 7000 tonnes of sugar unloaded from Sugar Australia’s MV Pioneer.
The MV Pioneer is the world’s only specialised food grade bulk refined sugar vessel.
Southern Ports chief executive officer Keith Wilks said the business continues to diversify its trade across its ports, welcoming Sugar Australia as its newest customer.
“Sugar Australia’s decision to service its WA-based customers through our Port of Bunbury is testament to the capability of our ports, our teams, and our ability to manage the bespoke requirements that come with managing diverse trade,” Wilks said.
“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.”
Sugar Australia is Australia’s largest sugar refiner and supplies crystal sugars and liquid sugar to industrial food and beverage customers, as well as consumer crystal sugar, treacle and golden syrup under its retail brand CSR.
The Queensland-grown sugar was processed at Sugar Australia’s Racecourse Refinery in Mackay before being transported around the country to Bunbury.
“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,” Wilks said.
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Previously the MV Pioneer has predominantly travelled between Mackay and Sydney prior to Sugar Australia investing in supply chain capability enhancements this year.
Sugar Australia chief operating officer Paul Gregory said improved onboard bulk filling equipment enabled the company to expand MV Pioneer’s service to valued WA customers.
“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,” Gregory 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.”
The MV Pioneer is scheduled to make multiple trips between Mackay and the Port of Bunbury during 2025.
Sugar adds to the more than 16 commodities traded through Southern Ports’ three ports.