AGRICULTURAL exports will leave the Port of Townsville bound for north Asia every fortnight, with a shipping service adding a new container vessel to the route.
Swire Shipping today launched its upgraded North Asia Express service with the addition of its newly built 2750 container vessel, Lae Chief.
The enhanced service will increase Swire Shipping's shipping frequency into Townsville from 20 days to 14 days.
The service will connect Townsville with north Asia and Papua New Guinea on a fixed-day fortnightly basis, which will be supported with three ships, each capable of carrying up to 2750 containers.
Townsville Port's manager trade development Maria James said the increased service was a sign of confidence in the export market.
"The improved service offered by Swire Shipping to North Asia means that local businesses can now better plan their
inventory, benefit from supply chain efficiencies and enjoy greater connectivity, which will allow them to remain competitive in the long run," Ms James said.
"It will also greatly benefit North Queensland's agricultural industries, including refrigerated containers containing mangoes and other fresh produce."
The Lae Chief made is first port call into Townsvile today, carrying a diverse range of imported goods such as mineral concentrates and stock feeds.
It will in turn be used to carry refined metals, marble blocks, fertiliser and grains from Townsville to Asia.
Swire Shipping general manager Jeremy Sutton said the enhanced service would allow them to better serve North Queensland.
"This is a proud moment for Swire Shipping not only because we have launched the fixed day fortnightly service with our first 2750 TEU newbuild vessel, but also because our improvements will benefit local businesses in the long term," Mr Sutton said.
"Our purpose as a company is to enrich lives by connecting customers with communities in the Pacific.
"Despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to invest in modern vessels and improve schedule reliability.
"We look forward to bringing greater connectivity and convenience to Townsville in the future as we phase in our newbuild vessels, improve our network coverage and launch new digital products."
The revised service will operate from Shanghai calling at Ningbo, Nansha, Hong Kong, Lae, Port Moresby, Townsville and Shanghai.
The NAX service was launched in 2015 to provide a direct link between north Asia, Townsville in Australia and Lae in Papua New Guinea.