A $1m industry study aimed at informing future decisions about freight and containerised trade in Victoria has been announced by the Port of Melbourne and the state government.
The study, backed by the Victorian Department of Transport, is to analyse the logistics chain that enables the movement of containers in and around the Port of Melbourne.
Port CEO Brendan Bourke said a fresh understanding of Victoria’s international and coastal container trade was critical.
“We have been planning this study for some time, but COVID-19 highlights how vital the Port of Melbourne and the international supply chain are to the Victorian and national economy,” Mr Bourke said.
“With population growth, demographic changes and shifts in consumer behaviour, managing the freight and transport network today, while planning for the future, requires a thorough understanding of the supply chain and the infrastructure needs that underpin it.”
The 2020 Port of Melbourne Container Logistics Chain Study (2020 CLCS) is to update work done by the port more than 10 years ago.
The new research is to provide a current and comprehensive picture of the port’s import and export container trade activities throughout the metropolitan area, regional Victoria and interstate.
Mr Bourke said the port was seeking the cooperation of its extensive stakeholder network to provide the necessary data.
“The success of this study will rely heavily on industry support. We look forward to sharing the findings with all stakeholders so that port users and the wider supply chain can be better informed,” he said.
The study is supported by the Victorian Department of Transport and the Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne.
“With Victoria growing rapidly, our freight volumes are set to increase substantially in coming years, so it’s more vital than ever that we have the detailed information we need to plan for the future,” Ms Horne said.
“I know this is a busy and challenging time for the industry, but I urge the freight sector to participate in this important once-in-a-decade study.”
For more information or to register your interest visit: www.portofmelbourne.com/facilities-development/2020-logistics-study
