ADELAIDE-headquartered specialised container supplier SCF has been sold to Indonesia’s Asian Bulk Logistics by global asset investor ICS for an undisclosed price.
The 100% transaction has been completed following the fulfilment of all conditions precedent and follows two other major acquisitions by the ABL Group in Australia, One Rail Australia (East Coast Rail) in 2023 — the third-largest rail bulk haulage provider in Australia — and Transshipment Services Australia (TSA) this year, the long-established tug, barge and transhipper operator based in Perth.
ABL describes SCF as Australia’s leading provider of tailored shipping container solutions with operations across Australia and New Zealand, offering one of the most extensive and diverse ranges of intermodal, tank, and on-site storage containers.
“This transaction marks a key milestone for both organizations: for ABL, it reinforces its strategic expansion and commitment to delivering world-class integrated logistics and infrastructure solutions; for ICG, it represents the successful exit of a high-quality asset underpinned by strong operational performance and long-term growth fundamentals,” the companies said.
ICG has supported SCF’s growth over recent years, including strengthening its nationwide network, expanding product offerings, and enhancing operational capabilities.
The acquisition significantly strengthens ABL’s footprint in Australia by deepening exposure to a resilient and diversified industrial base. It follows ABL’s previous acquisitions of Together, these steps reflect ABL’s long-term strategy to broaden its portfolio beyond energy commodities into sectors such as retail, consumer goods, construction, and chemicals, the Group said.
SCF Containers has operated for more than three decades and has a strong national presence across Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Darwin, Townsville, and other key locations.
President director of ABL, Ika Heru Beth Ari, said integrating SCF into the ABL Group “presents significant opportunities to widen our customer base, enhance our solution suite, and reinforce our position as a world-class logistics leader.”
James Giannas, managing director at ICG, said: “SCF has been a highly valued business within our portfolio, and we are exceptionally proud of the progress the management team has made. The Company has expanded its capabilities domestically and internationally, strengthened its customer base, and secured transformational opportunities such as the Aurizon agreement. We believe ABL Group is the ideal partner to support SCF through its next chapter, and we look forward to seeing the Company continue to grow under their stewardship.”
SCF CEO, Justin Speedy said he was delighted to be joining the ABL group: “I would like to thank ICG for their long-standing support and partnership, which has allowed us to strengthen our operations, expand our fleet, and secure major new opportunities such as the Aurizon contract.
“ABL Group brings deep industrial expertise and a long-term mindset, and we look forward to accelerating our growth trajectory and continuing to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions for our customers. In the meantime, it is business as usual for our valued customer base as we enter what really is an exciting new chapter for SCF.”
SCF launched in 1992 with the purchase of 63 containers from an Adelaide furniture removal business. It started building its own containers in 1999 to suit end-user needs, acquired GESeaco’s Tank Division in 2006, launched reefer containers in 2010, established a Chinese subsidiary in 2014 and bought NZ’s CSL Containers in 2024. ICG first invested in SCF in 2012.