World’s largest container shipping company makes port in Adelaide

The world’s largest container shipping company has shown a vote of confidence in South Australian trade and industry by announcing the start of a direct service to Adelaide.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan will launch the Maersk Line direct service this morning at Outer Harbor.

“This weekly direct call from South Australia to markets in South East and North East Asia will deliver significant economic opportunities and will greatly expand key markets for South Australian exporters and importers,” he said.

“Growing our exports is a key priority for our Government and will contribute to long-term economic growth.

“The launch of this direct line will better connect South Australian businesses to countries such as Japan, China and South Korea.”

Mr Mullighan said currently many South Australian exporters are having to move containers by rail to Melbourne or ship them to Singapore before shipping them to their final destination.

“This direct call to markets in South East and North East Asia will have a significant impact on our engagement with investors in those regions and supports the Government’s South East Asia engagement strategy launched last month by the Premier,” he said.

“The five North East Asian ports included in this route are among the top 30 container ports in the world and there will be great possibilities for export commodities like grain, wine, tuna bait, citrus, hay, meat, oil seeds and copper to use this new route.

“We could also see import commodities like motor vehicles, cycles, engines and electrical appliances using the new route to bring more products to the South Australian consumer.”

Mr Mullighan said the decision demonstrated that South Australia was open for business.

“Our ongoing prosperity relies on forging successful national and international relationships and alliances,” he said.

“I congratulate Maersk Line on the launch of its new direct service and encourage South Australian companies to take advantage of the access that has been created to these markets as a result.”

Source: News Release, Government of South Australia, 14 April, 2015

http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/images/news_releases/2015/15_04Apr/maerskdirect.pdf