For those making plans to ship Darwin/Dili or reverse - I have news.

The last crossing from Darwin/Dili with Toll sails on the 25th of this month on the Reliance.

Then end of an infamous era !!!!!

The routes have been sold to a company called AL and the new operator will be called Perkins AL.

Our bikes are waiting for the Reliance and I got this info first hand today.

Expect a gap in sailing etc so those planning this crossing should plan ahead accordingly. Bigger ships will be used and no more drop offs at the wharf, instead a warehouse off site will be used. Prices will probably not go down but the service should be more reliable - can't be much worse to be honest though.

Don't trust any sailing times or dates posted on line.

A rumour of an air freight service being established was mentioned but wether this will happen or if a wide bodied craft big enough for bikes will be used remains to be seen.

I'd like to wish Rowan and James all the best with Perkins AL - nobody will miss Toll for sure

Paul

a little more info from here: ANL takes over Perkin’s Dili Darwin Service

ANL takes over Perkin’s Dili Darwin Service

ANL has reached agreement with Toll to take over the Perkins International Service from Toll effective early August 2014. The service which currently runs two vessels between Darwin, Dili and Singapore carries a mixture of container, breakbulk and project cargo.

“This is an excellent growth opportunity for ANL as Darwin has been a missing link in our Australian port coverage. The service to be renamed “Perkins ANL Xpress” or PAX will commence around 2nd August and will offer customers a new level of shipment options through ANL’s worldwide network of services”, said ANL’s Managing Director John Lines.

ANL will be able to offer shipments to/from Darwin and Dili connecting all major ports with a seamless connection via the global transhipment hub of Singapore to ANL’s fast and frequent services around the world. All with the added simplicity of a through Bill of Lading and surety that ANL will be handling the cargo from end to end.

As part of the new service, ANL will be opening the ANL Darwin office which will be focused on developing business in the Northern Territory for ANL, ANL Container Hire & Sales and ANL Logistics. “It is certainly great for ANL to be returning to Darwin after many years absence and the timing is very opportune with Darwin and Dili’s continued development and growth. ANL will use its worldwide resources to facilitate this growth in the region. Our new Darwin office will promote the new shipping service as well as offering shippers tailored logistic solutions through ANL Logistics and ANL Container Hire”, said Mr Lines.