A SHIPMENT of frozen beef left Townsville on 29 June, the first such shipment in more than a decade onboard ANL’s Hansa Regensburg.
The shipment will be sent directly to Japan as part of a new strategy by JBS Australia to develop its northern workforce and capitalise on international demand.
For the past 12 months, shipping giant ANL has been working with JBS developing and securing future meat exports from Townsville, averaging two refrigerated containers per shipment since May.
JBS Northern chief operating officer, Anthony Pratt has welcomed ANL’s reefer shipping options from the Port of Townsville.
“The JBS Townsville plant provides a valuable option for North Queensland cattle producers to supply grassfed cattle for processing in the region,” Mr Pratt said.
“The plant processes roughly 145,000 cattle per year, supports 508 full-time equivalent jobs and contributes over $600m to the local economy.”
Mr Pratt confirmed that the new freight service allows JBS to better serve the producers in the region and deliver products more directly and efficiently to its international customers.
ANL general manager intra Oceania trades, Chris Peck said he was thrilled to see the benefits of these collective efforts.
“We share a long relationship with JBS and the Port of Townsville,” Mr Peck said.
“ANL has a great partnership with the agricultural sector and sees Australian beef exports, specifically those into north east Asia as a key commodity with proud history and a strong future.
“The team at JBS have a great sense of vision and we look forward to continuing our beneficial mutual relationship.”
Townsville Port chief operating officer, Drew Penny said the new venture is a strong sign that the infrastructure investments that the Port of Townsville has made to grow containerised cargo, including refrigerated cargo, is supporting the aims of North Queensland exporters and international shipping lines.
“Japan is a very important trading partner for our region, and we are thrilled to have JBS exporting directly out of Townsville,” Mr Penny said.
“We are committed growing agriculture exports directly from Townsville to support our customers, farmers and industries in North Queensland, and we thank JBS for their confidence and support in our shipping lines and port facilities.”
