June 2021 was a strong month for total container throughput (full and empty) with a total of 275,761 TEU, 7.2% above the previous year.

A strong increase in empty container movements was the biggest factor in the result.

There was a relatively flat result for full container overseas imports, increasing by 0.2% on June 2020. Imports of vehicle parts, non-electrical machinery and textiles showed the largest monthly increases.

Full overseas container exports were down 10.6% on June 2020, noting a significant decrease in timber, with barley the strongest mover for the month.

The comparison of volumes to last year may be influenced by weather conditions in late May last year which forced several vessel visits into June 2020.

Overall June 2021 container trade results compared with June 2020 were as follows:

• total container volumes (full and empty) up 7.2%, with year to date volumes up by 14.3%;
• full overseas container imports up 0.2% with year to date volumes up by 15.8%;
• full overseas container exports down 10.6% with year to date volumes up by 3.1%;
• empty container movements were 37.5% above June 2020 and year to date volumes were up by 23.5%; and
• full container trade between Melbourne and Tasmania excluding transhipments increased 24.2% on June 2020 to total 18,152 TEU and was up 8.8% for the year to date;
• full transhipments were 39.3% above June 2020 with year to date volumes up by 37.2%;
• motor vehicle imports up 225.6% (+26,448 units) on June 2020 to be up 15.4% year to date;
• Dry bulk trade increased 20.0% over June 2020 to be up 19.5% for the year to date;
• Break bulk trade increased 168.9% over June 2020 to be up 53.0% for the year to date, with increased imports of agricultural equipment, non-electrical machinery, iron, steel and paper and pulp the main commodities responsible for the monthly gain; and
• Liquid bulk trade declined 37.2% over June 2020 to be down 11.8% for the year to date.

Trade outlook

Container trade for July 2021 is tracking above the comparative month in 2020.

Supply chain

Globally, with ongoing pandemic related disruptions combined with continued strong demand, there is continued pressure on global shipping capacity and ocean freight rates and in some areas, reports of volatility in transit times.

Locally, the port freight supply chain has adapted to the recent COVID-19 restrictions and there have been no reports of significant disruptions or freight movement challenges.

Industrial relations

A media statement on 1 July 2021 confirmed that VICT had finalised the Enterprise Agreement with the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU) and Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (CEPU).

There are two other Enterprise Agreements currently being progressed. Please refer to the websites of Patrick Terminals and Svitzer for information on any planned disruptions to port operations.

Please call your Port of Melbourne contact or email us at information@portofmelbourne.com if you have any queries.

Brendan Bourke

Chief Executive Officer

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