Grain handler Viterra has announced two million tonnes of exports from its Port Lincoln terminal, as part of its busiest October to July period in five years.
A 55,000-tonne load of grain was exported on the vessel Golden Trader late in July on behalf of Glencore Agriculture, headed for Indonesia, and pushing Port Lincoln over the two million tonne mark.
Paired with additional volumes from Viterra’s export facility at Thevenard, Viterra has now exported over 2.63 million tonnes of grain from the Eyre Peninsula region in the 2016/17 season, and 6.15 million tonnes from all regions.
Viterra’s western operations manager James Murray said strong production, demand and an efficient supply chain had all contributed to the record.
“Following the largest-ever harvest, the efficiency of the Viterra supply chain and hard work from employees and strategic partners has also helped the Eyre Peninsula achieve these record exports,” Murray explained.
“This is the Port Lincoln terminal’s busiest October to July period since 2011/12 and third-busiest ever. Strong grain exports will continue from Port Lincoln for the remainder of the year.
“Shipping capacity at Port Lincoln is very highly sought after by exporters which provides long term benefits for growers.”