Asciano’s Patrick division has extended its relationship with Geneva-based shipping line, Mediterranean Shipping Company SA (MSC), by signing a new agreement for container terminal stevedoring services.
The new agreement is for a five year term, beginning 1 January 2012. MSC has the right to early termination after three years.
The completion of another agreement with Asciano’s long-term customer, MSC, will see the firm’s Patrick operations handle approximately 550,000 containers nationally for MSC in the first year of the deal, according to Asciano chief executive officer John Mullen.
The ports operator has on order nine new post Panamax quay cranes for its container terminals, to be delivered over the next 18 months.
Patrick is also investing capital in additional quayline and port capacity, pavement upgrades, straddles, and other handling equipment.
The renewed partnership with MSC aims to strengthen Patrick’s commitment to improving customer service at its four container terminals in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle, Mullen said.
Image: Port of Brisbane. Source: Asciano