Swire Shipping is the brand name of all liner shipping services operated by CNCo.

The company is currently in the process of expanding its fleet, with Swire Bulk expected to control 38 modern handy logs-fitted vessels by 2016.

These would include 24 B.Delta 39 bulk carriers - 20 of which will be loggers and four grabbers - four Imabari loggers, and 10 long term period chartered Japanese log fitted vessels.

General manager Andrew Kidd said: "CNCo has provided regional shipping services between Australia and the Asia pacific region since 1883."

"The Melbourne desk will work closely with our dry bulk customers and shipbrokers, and leverage on the extensive Swire Shipping network to increase our market share of inbound and outbound cargo flows from the region."

General manager Australia Adam Lucas and assistant chartering manager Antony Riley will relocate to the Melbourne office from Singapore.