Citrus industry champs sponsor US-bound ship

 

When Waikerie citrus grower Carole Walker visited Japan in March to help launch the Star Stratos, the huge ship was little more than an empty hull.

But when it docked at Port Adelaide on its maiden voyage last month, it was a fully fitted refrigerated bulk carrier, ready to take a bumper export crop of Australian oranges to the US.

Mrs Walker was invited to ceremonially sponsor the latest addition to the Star Reefer line in recognition of her husband Peter’s contribution to Australia’s citrus export program.

The sponsor is part of the christening and launching ceremony and maintains a ceremonial relationship with the vessel for the rest of its working life.

 “The ship is not finished when it’s launched, otherwise it’s too heavy to move down the slipway,” she explained as she toured the ship during loading. “The bridge and final fit-out is not done until it’s in the water, so here at Port Adelaide is the time I’ve seen it in all its glory.”

As chair of the SA Citrus Industry Development Board and chair of citrus export company Riversun, Peter Walker has been involved with the industry for more than 30 years

While the honour recognises his contribution to the industry, it is customary for a woman to be the sponsor of a ship.

Mrs Walker has also had a long involvement with SA’s citrus industry, with roles including grower, member of the Citrus Board and one of the drafters of the Citrus Act.

She feels especially lucky in her new role, as it is unprecedented for a ship to visit its sponsor’s homeport and be loaded with the sponsor’s produce on its maiden voyage.

“This has been a very special, exciting time,” she said.

“It really was a great honour to be asked to represent the industry and it makes it even more special that some of our own produce was part of the first cargo.”

The Star Stratos is one of seven cargo carriers that will take more than $58 million worth of Australian oranges to the US this winter.

Just over 5000 one-tonne pallets of fruit were loaded into the ship’s three refrigerated holds while it was docked at Port Adelaide.

Mr Walker said this year’s citrus export program would be worth just over $25 million to South Australian growers.

“We’ll be sending out about 30,000 pallets all up this year, with SA growers contributing 48% of that,” he said.

“These shipments are being eagerly awaited in the US because the market there is low on fruit after the February freeze in California and because the South African export program wasn’t as large as expected.”

Mr Walker said local citrus growers had proven particularly adept at providing what the US market wanted.

“They know the market wants large fruit, so they are growing larger fruit to meet that demand,” he said.

“This is a very positive program for South Australian growers.”

Peter and Carole Walker

Peter and Carole Walker