FreightLink
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail freight transport |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Defunct | 2010 |
| Fate | Assets sold to Genesee & Wyoming Australia |
Area served | Adelaide–Darwin corridor, Australia |
| Products | Rail freight services |
| Parent | Asia Pacific Transport Consortium (initially) |
FreightLink operated as an Australian rail freight service provider along the Adelaide–Darwin corridor from 2004 until 2010.
History
The Build, Own, Operate and Transfer contract for the Adelaide-Darwin railway was awarded in 2000 by the AustralAsia Railway Corporation to the Asia Pacific Transport Consortium. This consortium subcontracted FreightLink with the responsibilities of constructing and managing the railway line.
Operations commenced in January 2004, covering the route between Tarcoola and Darwin. FreightLink oversaw intermodal terminal operations located in Adelaide, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, and Darwin. Its role included marketing efforts, integrated service coordination, and supervision of service providers. The company delegated train and terminal management, port operations, and rail maintenance to specialized contractors.
In May 2008, the consortium consisting of banks and infrastructure investors behind FreightLink opted to sell both the railway infrastructure and operating company. Responding to increased demand, FreightLink announced in June 2008 the introduction of an extra weekly service between Adelaide and Darwin, raising the total number of weekly services to six.
By November 2008, FreightLink entered voluntary administration. Following a failed sale transaction—due to some banks rejecting terms with the preferred purchaser—the company's financiers appointed KordaMentha as receivers.
On 9 June 2010, Genesee & Wyoming Australia (GWA) reached an agreement to purchase FreightLink’s assets for AUD $334 million. Subsequently, the railway operations were integrated into GWA's portfolio.
Fleet
The diesel locomotive roster of FreightLink consisted of:
- Four FQ class mainline locomotives (new builds by Downer EDI Rail GT46C)
- Two FJ class shunting locomotives (previously WAGR J class units acquired second-hand)