A Glencore logistics team is expected to take up residence at newly constructed offices on the NSS lease at the Port of Townsville early next year.
General Manager Mark George said he was looking at the move as an opportunity to expand the overall service.
The supply and warehousing staff would work closely with the NSS logistics team and optimise the rail solution between Mount Isa and Townsville, Mark said.
“One of the key drivers is to maximise the efficiency and utilisation of our existing services,” he said.
“The good thing for Townsville is Glencore has a mandate to make their supply chains more efficient, and that means more cargo coming into Townsville Port.
“For a port like Townsville that’s traditionally export dominant, we’re going to have more imports.
“That makes it cheaper for our exporters and mining companies who are shipping out of Townsville.
“So, it has significant benefits, not to mention reduction in emissions and other environmental values.”
The collaboration would serve to promote the Townsville economy, Mark said.
“Glencore has a new supply procurement manager who’s had a vision to work in with NSS and draw in a lot of their supply chains through the Townsville Port and more regional ports closer to their operations.
“There’s also been a change by Qube. Qube has a rail service for Glencore, so maximising the utilisation of that means having these cargoes come through Townsville, so it’s not just an export dominant port.
“This team will really drive the day-to-day interactions with our logistics team to maximise the efficiency of all of our transport movements from vessels and road and rail.”
Construction of the offices is expected to be complete by Christmas.
Glencore is a 50 per cent owner of NSS with Qube Holdings.