Shipping backlogs prompts CBH bid plan

The current backlog of ships has prompted grains handler CBH Group to implement a temporary system that will see grain marketers bid for shipping slots to export grain.

The announcement is below:

The CBH Group has today announced that it will implement a temporary revised shipping allocation system effective as of tomorrow, Thursday 5 March 2009.

Under the new temporary system, marketers will be asked to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in order to book shipping slots to export grain. This is designed to regulate bookings on the shipping stem so that monthly
shipping requirements meet the capacity of Western Australia's up-country transport network to bring the grain
to port. The revised system has been supported by marketers as a short-term solution to alleviate the current
backlog at the State's four port terminals.

The first round of shipping slots on offer will be for dates between 20 April and 31 May, 2009. Marketers wishing
to book slots in this time will need to submit their EOIs by 5pm Western Standard Time (WST) on Monday, 9
March 2009.

All EOIs will be assessed in relation to each port zone's capacity. The marketer's entitlement and prior
shipments will be considered when allocating slots.

CBH Operations will continue to work with the industry to overcome the challenges of operating within a
network with a limited transport capacity to move the grain to port. CBH Operations is committed to developing
a long term solution that guarantees a more co-ordinated, manageable and efficient shipping allocation system
and is working to have this in place by August 2009.

To date, Western Australia has exported 3.6 million tonnes of the 12.3 million tonne 2008-09 crop. CBH
Operations has loaded 117 ships in 123 days (since November 1, 2008) and is aiming to export a record
tonnage this month.