_
_
Message from the CEO
In recent months, a series of challenges have impacted the trade and supply chain industry, and have put the resilience of Victoria’s supply chain to the test. More than anything, they have highlighted the need for ongoing collaboration.
Port of Melbourne is committed to supporting our stakeholders through key operational aspects to ensure the flow of goods, enhance road safety and streamline traffic movements, promote sustainability, and advance various project developments.
Reflecting on recent events, our goal remains to facilitate thriving trade, a robust supply chain, and engage with community – more so, as we head into the busy festive period. Ultimately, challenges are a reminder of the importance of working together.
We thank each of our stakeholders for their partnership in our ongoing efforts to maintain Victoria’s position as a key trade gateway.
Best regards
Saul Cannon
_
_
Trade & Supply Chain Update – 2023 Q3
Container trade in Q3 2023 declined in comparison to the same period the previous year. The strong containerised trade seen in Q3 2022 was driven by increased consumer spending during lockdowns, leading to a surge in imports of consumer goods.
Subsequent periods saw a drop in container import volumes due to reduced consumer spending, rising interest rates, inflation, and slowing economic conditions. Despite these challenges, container trade in the post-lockdown environment remains robust, showing a notable improvement over the pre-COVID period, with Q1-Q3 2023 container volume being 6.6% higher than the corresponding period in 2019.
Non-container trade has performed well throughout the COVID and post-lockdown periods; Q1-Q3 2023 non-container trade volume was 23% greater than the corresponding period in 2019. Notably, imports of motor vehicles have been a strong driver of non-container trade, with Q3 2023 motor vehicle trade volumes in units being 49% greater than Q3 2019.
Click here to read more.
_
_
Latest Developments
Port of Melbourne Achieves Two Significant Sustainability Milestones
Port of Melbourne (PoM) successfully completed a $475 million sustainability linked loan, encompassing two sustainability indicators covering scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction, and a mental health first aid workplace certification. It also includes an overarching gateway target tied to engagement with port stakeholders to facilitate scope 3 emissions reduction. Click here to read more.
In another sustainability milestone, PoM has been ranked first among Australian and international ports in the 2023 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) Infrastructure Asset Assessment – the leading environmental, social, and governance benchmark for infrastructure investments across the world. PoM also received a 5-star GRESB rating for the second consecutive year, scoring 99 out of 100. Click here to read more.
_
_
Port Infrastructure Update
Port Capacity Enhancement Program (PCEP)
PCEP was outlined in the Port of Melbourne’s 2050 Port Development Strategy and involves developing a Webb Dock North container terminal and securing the long-term future for the Tasmanian trades. From September 2022 to September 2023, we delivered our broad-reaching PCEP Stage One engagement program, which included stakeholders, government, community, and other various stakeholders.
The feedback we received throughout our extensive engagement program:
- Confirmed the general approach and trade forecasting assumptions;
- Confirmed the general approach and resulted in an additional sensitivity scenario for ship fleet forecasting;
- And explored a range of input assumptions and different stakeholder views regarding capacity analysis, resulting in several updated assumptions and new sensitivity scenarios being tested.
Next steps include the preparation of a draft Cost Benefit Analysis by Deloitte and planning for future engagement. We look forward to notifying stakeholders when information is available on these next steps and timing via the PCEP webpage.
_
Port Rail Transformation Project
All major construction works for the Port Rail Transformation Project have reached completion, marking a crucial landmark. The 80,000m2 project site includes 3.5km of new rail track and 15.3km of new utilities. Highlighting PoM’s commitment to sustainability, 50,000m3 of materials were re-used onsite, along with 1,202 tonnes of recycled crushed glass sand – achieving a 90% rate of recycled construction materials.
The rail terminal has been successfully handed over to Patrick, who is now operationalising the site. As we continue to enhance the efficiency and safety of the rail terminal, Port of Melbourne is actively engaged in the ongoing design and construction of signalling upgrades.
_
Swanson Dock West Remediation Project
The first of three stages to remediate and upgrade the wharf structures of Swanson Dock West is well underway, ensuring the continued handling of container vessels for the next 50 years. A significant milestone was achieved in early November, with the successful completion of driving all 212 new steel piles.
The project is advancing swiftly across various fronts, including the construction of new crane rails and the development of the new wharf deck. Notably, two out of the 22 wharf deck pours have been successfully completed.
_
Webb Dock East Extension Project
The Webb Dock East Extension Project is on track to be finalized and handed over to Victorian International Container Terminal (VICT) by the end of 2023. This extension includes a 71m elongation of the Webb Dock East wharf, coupled with the construction of a 30m transition wharf structure.These enhancements are crucial in adapting to the increasing length of container ships, restoring Webb Dock East to a two-berth terminal.
Furthermore, we’ve successfully removed 368 redundant piles, and an additional 73 will be removed during the dredging phase. To ensure adequate depth for container ships, a backhoe dredge has arrived in Melbourne.
_
_
Policy and Government Forums
Ministerial Ports Roundtable
Together with the Department of Transport and Planning, PoM hosted the Ministerial Ports Roundtable with the Hon Melissa Horne MP, Minister for Ports and Freight.
Critical topics discussed included the progress of the Victorian Commercial Ports Strategy and the introduction of the Voluntary Code of Practice and the Landside Logistics Working Group. Read the release published by the Premier’s Office here.
Australian Logistics Council Roundtable
PoM and the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) co-hosted an exclusive roundtable with The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
The roundtable focused on the challenges facing the freight industry and initiatives designed to improve the way freight is handled in Australia.
Community and International Engagement
Osaka City Delegation
Mr Hideyuki Yokoyama, Mayor of Osaka, was in Melbourne to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Osaka and Melbourne’s Sister City Partnership. As part of the trip, Mr Yokoyama visited PoM with City Council President, Mr. Ippo Katayama; Osaka Port & Harbors Bureau Director General, Mr. Junya Maruyama; and council members from the City of Osaka to strengthen our 49-year sister port relationship.
Indonesian Delegation Visit
Through the Australia-Indonesia Centre (AIC), PoM welcomed a delegation of Indonesian government officials to our headquarters, engaging discussions on our operations, port safety & security, and ongoing major projects, including the Port Rail Transformation Project.
Mission to Seafarers Maritime Art Prize & Exhibition
PoM was the proud sponsor of the Emerging Artist Award at this year’s Maritime Art Prize & Exhibition, organised by the Mission to Seafarers. The prestigious award is Australia’s leading maritime art prize, promoting excellence in maritime and seafaring subjects in art.
The Port’s relationship with the Mission to Seafarers is one of many partnerships through which PoM strives to positively contribute and support the community we operate in.
Follow us on LinkedIn for more engagement and activity updates.
