WEST PERTH, AUSTRALIA — The CBH Group said on Feb. 10 that it has exported the largest ever grain shipment out of Western Australia.

The CMB Medoc left Esperance, Australia Feb. 8, taking 78,636 tonnes of feed barley to CBH customers in Saudi Arabia.

CBH Group General Manager Marketing and Trading Jason Craig said it’s a great milestone to cap-off a season of records.

“A significant record like this should be celebrated. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and to recognize our position as the number one exporter of Australian grain,” said Craig. "Saudi Arabia is the largest feed barley importer in the world, requiring 7.5 to 8 million tonnes per year. 

“It’s a great opportunity for us to supply this growing market, with Saudi Arabia’s population growth set to fuel an increase in exports. In addition to the record harvest, we’ve seen site receival records fall, record shipments throughout harvest and the largest canola shipment out of Albany last week.”

CBH Group General Manager Operations David Capper said this shipment is part of a challenging year in terms of logistics.

“The record harvest of 15.85 million tonnes is nearly complete.  Now we begin the task of out loading that grain and exporting it to the world,” said Capper. “Accommodating the types of large vessels like we’ve seen in Esperance this time; is a vital part of getting the record harvest out more efficiently. It's great to have these larger ships coming into the Western Australia; it gives us more options in handling our large export task.”