Port of Melbourne – Facts and Figures

These facts and figures give an insight into the port’s operations and its role as a key economic asset. Arguably Australia’s most important maritime trade hub, Port of Melbourne supports the prosperity of thousands of businesses and the daily lives of people across Victoria and south-eastern Australia.

To learn more about maritime and industry terms often used to describe the port’s functions and facilities, please see the Glossary.

Our national contribution

Our contribution in economic activity to Australia is $11 billion.

  • $4 billion directly
  • $7 billion indirectly

Gross Domestic Product contribution is $5.6 billion.

Port operations contribute to 30,000 FTE jobs, 10,000 indirectly.

Source: Port of Melbourne 21-22 Economic Report by ACIL Allen.

Our Victorian contribution

Our contribution in economic activity in Victoria is $10.5 billion.

Gross State Product contribution is $5.3 billion.

  • $1.8 billion directly
  • $3.5 billion indirectly

Port operations contribute to over 28,900 FTE jobs, 18,776 indirectly.

Trade

  • Largest container port in Australasia
  • Over 3.26 million TEU handled annually
  • Over 8,920 containers (TEU) and 1,120 new motor vehicles per day on average
  • Total trade of almost 112 million revenue tonnes
  • Total trade value around $153 billion

Cargo

We handle all cargo types including dry bulk, liquid bulk and breakbulk:

  • a variety of non-containerised pack types including farm equipment and machinery
  • breakbulk commodities such as timber, paper, iron and steel
  • dry cargo including cement, sugar, grain and gypsum
  • bulk liquids from petrochemicals to crude oil and molasses

Infrastructure

  • Over 30 commercial berths
  • International container terminals at Swanson Dock, Webb Dock East
  • World class automotive terminal at Webb Dock West, handling hundreds of motor vehicles each day

Shipping and navigation

  • Around 2,600 ship visits annually
  • First port in Australia to operate as a VTS authority under Commonwealth accreditation
  • Professional hydrographic survey

Environs

  • Over 500 hectares of port land
  • 27 kilometres of waterfront
  • 14 metre shipping channel draught
  • Borders four municipal councils

Source: Port of Melbourne

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