Pacific Direct Line

Our Story

Pacific Direct Line is the trading name of PDL International Pte Ltd and all services operating under the Pacific Direct Line banner are operated by PDL International Pte Ltd or by joint venture services in which PDL International Pte Ltd plays a dominant role. PDL Internatonal Pte Ltd is represented in New Zealand by its subsidiary company, Pacific Direct Line Ltd, which is the general and managing agent for PDL International Pte Ltd. Pacific Direct Line Ltd does not operate any shipping services itself, rather it ensures the smooth and efficient operation of all PDL International Pte Ltd's services.

PDL International Pte Ltd can trace some of its roots back to 1968 with the formation of Sofrana Unilines in Noumea and Pacific International Lines in Singapore. Until 2006, the services that PDL International Pte Ltd now operate were run by companies associated with the Ravel family, who had been the founders of Sofrana Unilines. In 2006, two members of the Ravel family decided that it was time to retire, and the services that had been operated were sold to Pacific International Lines of Singapore. A new company, PDL International Pte Ltd. was incorporated in Singapore to operate those services. That new company included one of the original Ravel family shareholders. Since then, PDL International Pte Ltd have been at the cutting edge of maritime transport technology. Initially they operated with relatively small conventional cargo ships. Over the years, cargo handling methods have evolved to the point where they now utilise larger vessels equipped with efficient cargo handling gear to load both containers and break-bulk cargo.

They have always been concerned with the socio-economic development of the Pacific Islands, playing an important role in the establishment of a number of innovative businesses.Management has always recognised the value of stategic space sharing agreements with other ship operators, allowing them to expand their trading environment to link with an international network outside of the South Pacific Region. PDL International Pte Ltd have however always acknowledged that its core business was in the South Pacific Region and have expanded to connect with Asia, Europe and the Americas using Pacific International Line's services.

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