For the first time in more than a decade, JBS Australia is shipping hundreds of tonnes of frozen beef directly from Townsville. 

Shipping giant ANL has been working with JBS for the past year to secure future meat exports from Townsville.   

The future is looking bright with the exporting of two refrigerated containers per shipment on average since May. 

The latest shipment was onboard ANL’s Hansa Regensburg this week. 

ANL general manager Intra Oceania Trades, Chris Peck, said the shipping line had a great partnership with the agricultural sector and saw Australian beef exports, specifically those into North East Asia, as a key commodity with proud history and a strong future. 

Townsville Port chief operating officer Drew Penny said the new venture was a strong sign that the infrastructure investments to grow containerised cargo, including refrigerated cargo, was supporting the aims of North Queensland exporters and international shipping lines.  

“Japan is a very important trading partner for our region, and we are thrilled to have JBS exporting directly out of Townsville,’’ Mr Penny said.   

“We are committed growing agriculture exports directly from Townsville to support our customers, farmers and industries in North Queensland, and we thank JBS for their confidence and support in our shipping lines and port facilities.’’  

The JBS Townsville plant processes about 145,000 cattle per year, supports 508 full-time equivalent jobs and contributes more than $600 million to the local economy.