Leeward consolidates agencies

QUEENSLAND-headquartered Leeward Group is retiring its Nautical Shipping agency network and transferring key principal Grimaldi Group to Quay Shipping.

This follows Singapore’s SeaLead’s termination of its Australian container service, announced mid-April, after fellow CA2 members gave notice of a re-structure. As a consequence Nautical Shipping’s representation officially ends this Friday [12 June].

In a note to Grimaldi customers, issued on Friday [5 June] Leeward’s business support manager Katrina English, said: “At Leeward Group, we are constantly challenging ourselves and our approach to supporting our customers and Principals. As part of this ongoing commitment, we have simplified the agency structure supporting our Principals across Australia.

“For more than 20 years, Quay Shipping has operated with integrity and stability, delivering industry-leading shipping solutions and services to the Australian market.

“Effective 6 June, Quay Shipping will take over the agency representation of our ro-ro Principal, Grimaldi Group, providing exclusive commercial and operational support for the brand throughout Australia.

“We are delighted to add Grimaldi Group to Quay Shipping’s quality Principal portfolio of Sinolines, Pacific Forum Line, and Yangtze Navigation. For our customers, there will be minimal impact to your day-to-day interactions with us. Your local contacts will remain unchanged, with the primary difference being an update to our email domains.”

Ms English said it was an exciting time for Grimaldi Group in Australia, with the Asia–Australia service now fully established, servicing Brisbane, Port Kembla, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Fremantle, while connecting Australia to the world via China and Grimaldi’s extensive global network.

“We appreciate your continued support and look forward to continuing our partnership under this simplified and strengthened structure,” she said.

Leeward Group managing director Darren Dumbleton told DCN Nautical Shipping would be “domiciled” and was unlikely to be revived as “we have other brands to utilise”.

Nautical Shipping had its head office in Melbourne and branches in Sydney and Brisbane. Quay Shipping operates from offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Auckland and Christchurch.