Major upgrades for Viterra's YP ports

The investment comes ahead of a strong export shipping schedule this year.

A major $5m upgrade at Port Giles which has reached completion, is the largest major improvement works in the company's network for the 2020-21 season and helps to efficiently manage the movement of grain.

It includes upgrades to the port terminal's bulk loading plant, electrical equipment, steel storage bins and installing new CCTV for employees to monitor grain on conveyor belts.

At Wallaroo, works are underway on the second stage of a $2m project, replacing steel structural support for its vessel loading equipment.

Viterra Central Region operations manager Jack Tansley says the focus at both locations is on continuing to provide value to local growers who deliver into the sites, by maintaining these key export terminals for SA grain.

RELATED READING: Frances continues strong grain receival run

RELATED READING: Harvest season strips back records as farmers rushed to finish line

Viterra invests up to $40m into its sites each year, where it provides the greatest value to its customers through creating efficiencies, improving reliability and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its infrastructure.

"We have strong demand for grain from our system with back-to-back vessels booked by multiple exporters, who are sending grain to various destinations," Mr Tansley said.

"It is a real positive for growers that we are experiencing constant demand from the 25 buyers in our system who have already purchased new season grain, including 11 exporters."

More than 200,000 tonnes of wheat and lentils will be loaded across the two terminals this month, as part of Viterra's shipping schedule of around 1.8 million tonnes from across the state set to be exported by the end of January.

With export demand strong, Viterra's solid shipping schedule will continue until May.