PORT of Melbourne’s June was busier than the same month last year for container throughput, but the port handled fewer containers than the month of May.
According to the latest available trade statistics from the port, total container throughput was 241,985 TEU in June. This was a 2.4% decrease on May (during which the port handled 248,011 TEU), but a 4.1% increase on the same month last year (the port handled 238,311 TEU in June 2018).
The drop in throughput can be attributed to a significant decreases in the Bass Island trade (down 3121 TEU) and empties (3622 TEU). Meanwhile, the mainland coastal trade experienced a slight dip (235 TEU).
The port’s overseas container trade, however, saw an increase of 952 TEU to 159,327 TEU, of which full overseas imports were 99,688 TEU, and full overseas exports 59,639 TEU.
Trade with the Apple Isle totalled 18,335 TEU of full containers, 8463 TEU of which were imports across Bass Strait, and 9872 TEU were exports. Mainland coastal trade totalled 6,412 TEU of full containers; 665 TEU were imports and 5747 TEU were exports.
Melbourne’s total trade in empty containers in January was reported to be 57,911 TEU.
Port of Melbourne reports its top containerised commodity to cross the wharves was miscellaneous manufacturing, followed by furniture and then electrical equipment.
Over the month, the port handled 34,525 motor vehicles, which equates to 587,288 revenue tonnes. Also reported as coming through the port was Break bulk (82,544rt), liquid bulk (616,731rt) and dry bulk (294,798rt). Other trade, which includes such things as miscellaneous manufacturing, livestock, timber, metal scrap and mail totalled 257,114rt.
