THE first dry bulk chickpea export has departed Townsville bound for India and Pakistan in what the port says is a milestone for the grain and pulse industry.
The 38,500 tonnes of chickpeas, loaded on the 40.079 DWT bulk carrier Sea Eagle, were first transported from North Queensland growers to a storage facility in Townsville before arriving at the port.
The chickpeas were sourced from towns including Richmond, Julia Creek, Maxwelton and Marathon and mark the first dry bulk pulse shipment of its kind for the Port of Townsville.
The chickpea export was driven by Sizer & Cogill Bulk & General Carriers director Chris Sizer, who worked on the export project for five years with local growers and industry stakeholders, including Port of Townsville.
Port of Townsville general manager business development Drew Penny said the port already exported containerised pulses and grains, also packed by Sizer & Cogill at their purpose-built facility but as this was the first dry bulk shipment of pulses, and it was a momentous achievement for all involved.
Video courtesy of Port of Townsville
“We’re always looking for ways to further support our North Queensland growers, industry stakeholders and customers especially to meet the global demand for products such as chickpeas,” Mr Penny said. “The work Mr Sizer and the team has done during the last five years to make sure this milestone chickpea shipment came to fruition is commendable.
“I also want to thank our Port staff who worked closely with Mr Sizer to prepare for the shipment. This milestone export shipment will be noticed not only by industry, but also our international customers, showing our readiness and capability to be able handle such a significant shipment,” he said.
Chris Sizer said the company’s new purpose-built storage and handling facility on the Port Access Road is now operational and nearly complete – cementing the foundation for large-scale exports.
“This has always been about giving our growers more options and creating efficiency in how we move their product,” Mr Sizer said. “Seeing grain/pulses leave Townsville in bulk for the first time is not just a business achievement – it’s a win for the whole supply chain.”
A strategic partnership with Sizer & Cogill Bulk & General Carriers, Agristorage & Logistics and Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) also ensured the shipment would occur, Mr Sizer said.
“Having a global leader like LDC on board shows how much potential this region holds,” Mr Sizer said. “We all share the same goal – to support our local growers and unlock new export pathways.”