VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal at Melbourne’s Webb Dock has issued a series of notifications of increases to tariffs and charges to apply from the New Year.
The ICTSI-owned facility is complying with the Victorian Government’s Voluntary Pricing Protocol in providing 60-day advance notice to industry. The VPP has recently been amended to ensure all container stevedores in the port confine increases to annual, applicable 1 January each year.
Chief commercial officer Olga Coelho-Heubert said VICT had completed a review of its Vehicle Booking Service charges, which recover part of the costs related to maintenance and operation costs on the landside, property costs, capital investment to the landside infrastructure.
“Our approach to tariff adjustments is aimed at addressing ongoing costs while promoting operational efficiency through positive practices. This adjustment is essential to maintaining VICT’s commitment to providing efficient and high-quality service to our customers.
“VICT continues to invest heavily in technology, new equipment to cater for the landside demand and to ensure our automated equipment and processes remain up to date to deliver consistent and efficient service levels,” Ms Coelho-Heubert said.
She cited capital investment over last 10 years of over $935 million, and further investment over the next 12-18 months to include the addition of 1 new STS Crane, 4 Hybrid Auto Straddle Carriers and 1 new reach stacker. “
“Furthermore, we will embark on maintenance and resurfacing works, IT system upgrades and new AI driven IT yard optimisation systems. Operational costs are expected to continue to increase at rates above CPI due to ongoing inflationary pressure, and we expect our labour costs to significantly increase for our EA workforce.
“The revised charges have been a direct result of increasing costs and are a direct pass through to our customers to recover these on-going costs.”
There are also changes to late-receival fees and procedures and the maritime security fee, also applicable from 1 January.
VICT noted it is a proud supporter and participant of the Victorian Department of Transport Voluntary Pricing Protocol and invites all parties to submit their questions by 22 November to customer@vict.com.au
