There are a number of important operational factors to be considered in selecting the vessel and/or charter company for the transshipment of Australian grain to the Pacific Islands. The nature and number of ports are relevant for manner and method of delivery of the goods. The expected time of arrival for each cargo load to each port is also a vital factor. Another important factor relevant to time management is the method of each port’s customs’ clearance requirements.

The first urgent matter is the nature of the goods. Since grain is a perishable material and susceptible to contract mites and other insects, time and packaging will be of the essence. It is important to select a shipping company that is sensitive not only to the storage needs of grain material, but also a company which is equipped with the workmanship and material for preserving the integrity of the grain.

For this reason, the grain should be inspected for insects and some form of insecticide protection should be used in the method of packaging. The packaging should also be sustained and managed in such a way as to avoid moisture penetration while stored in the cargo hold of the ship. Moisture can and will make the grain vulnerable to insect infestation as well as contamination of the grain material (Grain Insects Pests).

Having conducted a search of available shipping companies for hire, Astral Asia Line appears to be a suitable charter line for the shipment of the grain for a number of reasons. For present purposes, suffice it to say that the shipping company is well equipped for the preservation of the grain material while en route to the various Pacific island destinations. Astral Asia Line is equipped with specialized ship for cargo management among its fleet (Cargo Management).

Moreover, humidifiers are deployed in the cargo holds for the preservation of perishable goods. Astral Asia Line’s cargo ships are ‘equipped with six independent dehumidifiers in cargo holds 2, 3 and 4 port/starboard, for the safe transport of sensitive steel, paper and other products. The status of the dehumidifiers is monitored by the ship's crew’ (Vessel Fleet).

The Astral Asia Line ships are also equipped to safeguard against the hazards associated with sea faring transportation. This is especially important since the final destinations are replete with dangerous conditions. The shore facilities are rudimentary with poor standard wharfs. As a result there is a greater danger of collision and resulting fires. The Astral Asia Line is equipped with ‘CO2 fire-extinguishing systems’ which ‘are fitted in all cargo holds and engine room. Fire/smoke detection systems are also installed’ (Vessel Fleet). This is very important as fire is a very common sea-faring disaster.

The D Class, Super Flex 1800 Heavy MPC ship is ideal for the transshipment of grain. ‘All vessels are fully self-sustained multi-purpose heavy lift tweendeckers with box shaped twin hatches’ (Vessel Fleet). This is very important for the dispatch of the grain onto the sub-standard wharfs. Special care will be required to transfer the goods form the cargo holds unto the wharfs. The table below provides a full description of the D Class, Super Flex 1800 Heavy MPC fleet.