A major step for NT Cotton as Darwin Port exports first containers

The first of the containers of Northern Territory (NT) cotton are nearing their Asian destinations after an event at Darwin Port this week that signified a major step forward for the cotton industry in the Territory – and a second shipment may not be far away!

Queensland Cotton, a subsidiary of Olam Agri in Australia, in collaboration with the Western Australian Northern Territory (WANT) Cotton Gin in Katherine, loaded the first containers of NT grown cotton onto a ship at Darwin Port, effectively demonstrating the ease of utilising the shipping route for other growers who want to reduce their shipping costs and their carbon footprint.

On Monday morning the merchant vessel Scion Malfada loaded the last of the containers onboard and with the help of local tug operators, started the journey out of the Port and into the Timor Sea.

The cotton was grown on the property of Brett Corish who acknowledged the shipment was the result of a lot of hard work. “I wasn’t sure this could happen so quickly but all credit to the Gin operators and Queensland Cotton for doing all the leg work in what is a great moment for the industry in the NT.

“I think it makes all the logical sense in the world to use the Darwin Port because of the many benefits. Obviously, it’s closer to our markets and means we don’t have to transport it to Brisbane.

“This is part of the NT cotton industry giving back to the local community and being able to use the Port is another example of what cotton production is doing for the local economy.

“Now the opportunity is clear for other growers, and I hope we see bigger proportions of our locally grown cotton heading to the Darwin Port and onto our customers offshore.”

Meg Strahle, Vice President of Cotton Lint Trading, Olam Agri in Australia said she was thrilled that everyone involved could come together to help shape a new supply chain option for the Northern Territory.

“We are grateful for the enthusiastic support from local stakeholders including growers, supply chain providers, Darwin Port, and the WANT Cotton Gin. Looking ahead, we will continue to seek ways to enhance the efficiency of the supply chain.”

Cotton Australia Senior Policy Manager for Northern Australia, Simone Cameron said the exporting event was a major step forward.

“This is about providing options for our growers, reducing the financial burden of transporting cotton 3000 kilometres by road, enhancing our environmental performance and rewarding the NT community for the confidence they have shown in our ability to grow sustainable cotton.

“The benefits of exporting through Darwin Port add to the trickle-down effect of all the investment in services and farm supplies that are already boosting many sectors of the economy.

“We will all work together in a shared commitment to improving what we have already started so the supply chain advantages can benefit everyone, from grower to consumer,” Simone said.

Cotton Australia media contact:
Darrin Davies
Communications Manager – Media and Engagement 0428 770 237

PHOTO: East Arm Wharf vessel at night minus ladder