THE GRILL: David Pratt

David Pratt is ANL’s Senior Line Manager PNG / Darwin / Dili / Pilbara & Pacific Islands Trades. Dale Crisp puts the heat on a fellow Tasmanian

In 2025 you celebrated a remarkable 50 years of continuous employment with ANL in all its permutations. Yet you’re still so young! Were you a child prodigy?

I commenced working for then ANL Tasmanian agents A.G. Webster & Woolgrowers who were also agents for such lines as Farrell, Scancarriers, Fesco and Cosco and also tankers, bulk carriers, cruise vessels and long-line tuna vessels, at an office in Hobart’s Salamanca Place. One of my first jobs was at the ANL terminal (now the CSIRO facility) to prepare the freight manifest for ro-pax Australian Trader, using a long-carriage typewriter and a lot of carbon paper!

In 1983 a joint venture company called Webster ANL was formed to take over the Tasmanian operations but also continue to run an independent agency. In 1988 ANL bought out the joint venture and Maritime Agencies of Tasmania was formed. I was appointed as the Hobart manager ad in 1996 state manager.

Following the 1998 ANL sale to CMA CGM I transferred to Melbourne to become the Vic/Tas manager and have held several positions since, including regional manager Asia based in Hong Kong. Since taking my current position in 2011 the role has grown considerably, with now 11 vessels in the services I am responsible for.

What I enjoy about the job is operating standalone services, where it still has the feel of old-style shipping.

During those 50 years you’ve been posted to some exotic places, even Bell Bay. Which is the most memorable?

Spending three years in Hong Kong from 2003 was undoubtedly the highlight. This role covered a vast territory from Japan through to the Gulf region, offering incredible opportunities for travel and exposure to diverse markets and cultures.

In those five decades you’ve served under some of the giants of the Australian shipping industry: Max Moore-Wilton, Bill Bolitho, Ted Anson, John Bicknell, John Lines. Who stands out and why?

The standout for me is of course John Lines, with whom I’ve had the longest association. After the sale, John and the team revitalised ANL into the strong organisation it is today. His message was always clear: “Always look after the customers”, something that truly resonates with me—because success isn’t just about technology, it’s about human connection. John was highly supportive of our initiatives to expand into regional ports, including the acquisition of Perkins in 2014 and our re-entry into Townsville in 2017. Of course, we had our differences when it came to football—John being a passionate Geelong supporter and me firmly backing Hawthorn.

Stadium or no stadium?

Tasmania should have a team in the AFL but I don’t like the demands of the AFL: the stadium does not need to have a roof. One hopes that the construction of the stadium is not like the fiasco that has besieged the new Spirits of Tasmania and the Devonport TT Line terminal.

Are you often confused with Inchcape’s David Pratt? Is that why you’re universally known as just Pratty?

A couple of time when he was at CP Ships, at Hapag-Lloyd and now at Inchcape and I believe there was another namesake at McIlwraith in Newcastle as well. I also recall another David Pratt in Hong Kong, at the doctors and when checking in to hotels in Singapore!

Your daughter is also in shipping. Was this responsible parenting?

While I was traveling, she successfully applied for a role at ONE. After 2.5 years, she accepted an opportunity with Toll Global Forwarding, where she now serves as National Manager for Ocean Freight. I still wonder what made her think joining this industry was a good idea — but we couldn’t be prouder of her achievements.

Given the geographic spread of your trades your remit covers everywhere from Wyndham to Shanghai, Singapore, Port Moresby, Gladstone and Suva. Which is your favourite port and why?

This job has allowed me to see parts of Australia I probably never would, such as the Pilbara and Wyndham. But if I had a favourite, I think Japan which was one of my first overseas work trips in 1992, for the people/ scenery. Singapore runs a close second, and closer to home Timor Leste as you don’t have the security / safety issues that you have in PNG.

You had just started in shipping when the bulk carrier Lake Illawarra collided with the Tasman Bridge, which partly collapsed on and sank the ship. Where did ANL’s (then) operations HQ insist the ship was when you rang them with the news?

I was told the person handling the vessel had rung the Traffic Dept and notified them the Illawarra had struck the bridge and sunk. He was told “Don’t be stupid, the ship is in Townsville”!

The maritime unions were at their most cantankerous late last century. What do you recall as their most outrageous demand?

I had only been working a short time and went to sail the ANL self-discharger North Esk at 3 am. Ten minutes before sailing the union delegate went to Captain’s cabin and said “Captain, we can’t sail as there is no ice cream on board”. The Sailing was cancelled while waiting for the supplier, and the vessel sailed lunch time the next day. That was the first of many knocks on the Captain’s door at sailing time over industrial issues.

You’ve recently returned from a voyage around the Mediterranean with Viking Cruises. Did you get to pillage and plunder?

It was an incredible experience and one I’d highly recommend if you’re looking to relax and unwind. Already planning my next Viking adventure!

ANL has just won the DCN Liner Trade Award for New Zealand, Pacific Islands and Papua New Guinea for the eighth consecutive time. What do you put that down to?

I put this down to a team of people that have true commitment to what they do. The three trades have managers with just over 130 years of experience who believe that relationships with the clients are the key to success and they’re supported by a team of very dedicated individuals.

Have you bought your set of lawn bowls yet?

No was thinking of a camera so I can do a bit of ship spotting!!!