TFGA says new shipping service provides fresh options

Tasmania’s peak farming body today welcomed the announcement of a new shipping service from Bell Bay that it says will open up new marketing opportunities, particularly in Sydney.

The Mediterranean Shipping Company says it will operate the fortnightly service from late February between Bell Bay, Sydney, Brisbane, Noumea and New Zealand.

Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis said it was still largely an unknown.

“This service could be useful for some of our commodities with longer shelf life that are less dependent on speed to the market – things like potatoes and apples. The sailing time to Sydney may open some options; either to mainland markets there or for export access.

“While there is no silver bullet that will address all freight needs, this will certainly give some exporters the opportunity to break the current monopoly hold the Port of Melbourne has on product into and out of Tasmania.”

“The devil of course will be in the detail – and we await further information with great interest,” Ms Davis said.
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis