Oz wheat ports freed

Australia’s unprecedented 58.9 Mt 2016-17 grain harvest – up 49% on the previous year – is driving further port records as exports flow through in bulk and containers.

Australia’s grain handling sector could be set for a major shakeup, with a consortium anchored by GrainCorp pushing to corporatise the growerowned CBH Group.

Alimak Hek has extended the life of a 28-year-old rack and pinion elevator on a 70m tall grain store at GrainCorp’s facility in Gladstone, Australia, with a gearbox overhaul and mast replacement.

Canberra’s decision to reject USbased Archer Daniel Midlands’ (ADM) proposed takeover of Australia’s GrainCorp has ignited a new round of jockeying for control of crucial grain handling terminals and ports on the country’s east coast.

Competition is set to return to New South Wales grain ports after Newcastle Port Corporation (NPC) approved an application by Newcastle Agri Terminal (NAT) for a grain terminal at Carrington.

Australia’s GrainCorp has agreed to buy GermanMalt GmbH for Au$77M as it looks to create growth opportunities in the European market.