An AI-generated impression of the planned upgrade in operation at Qube’s site at the Port of Albany. Image: Qube

WESTERN Australia’s Port of Albany is set to have a third grain bulk handler in operation now that Qube has completed its initial upgrade which has made the former Albany Bulk Handling a multi-commodity facility.

It can now accumulate and load mineral sands and critical minerals as well as grain, a diversification from its prior dedication to woodchips under previous owners LINX Cargo Care and Japan’s Itochu Corporation.

“Albany is the major economic hub for the Great Southern region and the Port of Albany is the region’s main gateway to markets across Asia and the Middle East, shipping billions of dollars in goods to international markets annually.

“Our $13 million investment in the bulk handling facilities at the port will support growth in export markets for these commodities, strengthen competition and create a win-win for regional producers and commodity exporters,” Qube Bulk’s chief operating officer Morné van Wyngaard said.

The works include hard stand, ship-loader strengthening, and the installation of a new drive-over grid.

“Western Australia is a big state, and our investment in Albany creates new opportunities for regional producers, miners and exporters to move product to market more efficiently, access additional export pathways and strengthen the competitiveness of the Great Southern supply chain.”

Mr van Wyngaard said Qube Bulk was offering capacity to all users to increase overall port capacity and reduce bottlenecks across the supply chain.

“By doing so, we can help reduce congestion at the port, support more efficient vessel scheduling, help exporters avoid demurrage costs, and better manage both seasonal grain peaks and project-driven volume increases across other commodities.

“This investment is designed to deliver benefits for every port user and support Albany’s role as a diversified export gateway for Western Australia.”

Qube’s berth at the Port of Albany can accommodate vessels in the Supramax and Ultramax classes capable of carrying up to around 55,000 tonnes of grain.

Qube does not yet have any grain on site, but is targeting a start to shipping in the September-January window to coincide with the upcoming harvest.

The site’s rail access has not yet been commissioned, but this may be considered in further phases.

While Qube has become a major grain trader in eastern Australia, the company does not at this stage expect to appoint traders in WA.

The Albany site will operate on a fee-for-service basis, and trading may take place if opportunities exist.

Qube bought the Albany site last year for $25 million, and second-stage works are being considered to support additional capacity and future commodity growth, including fixed grain storage, covered multi-commodity shed space, and improved open stockpile segregation.

“This investment in the future of the Port of Albany is consistent with our commitment wherever we operate: to invest in infrastructure, plant and equipment, create employment and supplier opportunities for local communities, and help drive long-term economic growth for the region.

“We’re looking forward to completing the finishing touches to stage one over the next few weeks and beginning a new chapter for Albany Port and its users as we continue to assess further opportunities to support diversified trade and additional export capacity across Western Australia.”

The bulk export infrastructure and operations are on a site leased from the Southern Ports Authority at the Port of Albany.

Qube is Australia’s largest provider of integrated import and export logistics services with a market
capitalisation of $7.6 billion as of 30 June 2025.

Its operations span Australia, New Zealand and South-east Asia with a workforce of around 10,000 employees, and its business has two core divisions: operating, and a 50pc interest in Patrick Terminals, which is located at container terminals in Brisbane, Fremantle, Melbourne, and Sydney.