PATRICK Terminals’ Sydney AutoRail terminal is now handling all its Sydney rail services, and the second phase of the expansion project has begun.
The $190-million project was carried out in conjunction with NSW Ports.
Work has begun on the second phase of the construction. This will include the extension of the four rail sidings to 600 metres and the introduction of three more automated rail mounted gantry cranes over time to meet demand.
Phase two construction is due for completion in mid-2023.
Patrick Terminals CEO Michael Jovicic said he was pleased to advise that all import and export rail cargo would be handled through the Sydney AutoRail Terminal.
“We have been very pleased with the performance of the new automated technology during the commissioning phase. This world-leading automated rail terminal sets a new global standard in automated freight handling providing increased capacity and efficiencies whilst also providing a new global benchmark in safe cargo handling,” Mr Jovicic said.
“Our investment in rail infrastructure demonstrates our ongoing commitment to increasing the share of rail freight at Port Botany to 28%, as per the NSW government policy, which assists with taking truck movements off busy Sydney roads.”
The new automated rail terminal is to increase the annual rail capacity at the Patrick Sydney Terminal from 250,000 TEU to 600,000 TEU in the first phase and to more than 1 million TEU the second phase is complete.
According to the company, the expansion project will improve rail turnaround times and provide increased rail services and windows.
The company estimates moving 1 million TEU per year by rail would reduce truck movements around the port by 900 per day, equating to a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions of about 5400 tonnes per year.
