THE PORT of Melbourne and Qube have secured a short-term agreement that makes available empty container capacity for up to 9000 TEU in the Swanson Dock precinct.
A statement from the port said the 60,000-square-metre site is operational immediately under Qube’s management.
The agreement follows ongoing discussions between Port of Melbourne, Qube and Freight Victoria.
Port of Melbourne CEO Brendan Bourke said he was pleased that the parties were able to come to a solution that would help alleviate the backlog of empty shipping containers across the supply chain as a result of strong and sustained import volumes.
“It’s critical that the port supply chain is able to able to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible, and part of that is making sure that empty containers can be moved and utilised to enable the flow of goods into and out of the port,” he said.
“We have closely monitored land requirements for the supply chain throughout the pandemic. As a result, we’ve been able to reallocate a parcel of land for a period of time which allows Qube to make use of the site while we work with industry towards longer-term solutions.”
Qube chief operating officer Paul Digney said, “Qube is delighted to be part of the solution with the Port of Melbourne and we look forward to support from the industry”.
Container Transport Alliance Australia director Neil Chambers applauded the Port of Melbourne, assisted by the Victorian government, for having done this.
“They had the foresight to ensure that this currently vacant land – centrally located in the Port precinct and earmarked for future development – was able to be made available to assist in managing the current significant surge in container volumes through the port.”
In a media statement, CTAA said it understands the Coode Park site would be operational from as early as this week, with an alert to be issued by Qube shortly through the Containerchain system with operational details.
“It is now a matter for the container shipping lines to support this added capacity to alleviate some of the severe empty container park congestion in other parts of the Melbourne container logistics chain,” Mr Chambers said.
“We’d urge container shipping lines such as Maersk/Hamburg Sud, COSCO/China Shipping, Hyundai Merchant Marine, MSC and others – all of whom have experienced empty container storage dilemmas in Melbourne recently – to consider this de-hire and storage option.”
“It’s at the doorstep of the Swanson Dock terminals, and a short distance from VICT at Webb Dock – so, it’s ideal for empties earmarked for export particularly.”
