Changes in shipping schedule affecting businesses in Alotau

SHIPPING is one of the main concerns of businesses in Alotau, according to the Milne Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Vice-president Tasman Silcock said the weekly shipping services provided by Consort had changed to monthly services, affecting the ability of businesses to get stock.
“Shipping is one of the biggest concerns of the business community in Alotau,” Silcock said.
“Shipping services have diminished.
“We used to have a weekly shipping service by Consort, but now we have a monthly service. So the shipping schedule has become very poor by Consort.”
He said businesses were unable to get stock regularly. “We haven’t had any direct consultations with Consort. We don’t know what their issues are and why they are not servicing us on a more regular basis,” he said.
“But we have to wait until we get a representative to come and talk to us and tell us what is actually going on.”
Steamships Trading Company managing director Rupert Bray said Consort’s largest vessels called into Alotau every fortnight.
“There are no major delays expected, though slight weather changes in sailings are inevitable from time to time,” Bray said.
“The next vessel is expected to berth in Alotau on or around Jan 11, and the vessel after that will likely be the Niugini Coast towards the end of the month.
“Alotau remains an important part of Consort’s domestic network and Steamships continues to support commerce in Alotou with Consort Express Lines, JV Port Services and EastWest Transport all active in the market.”