VICTORIA International Container Terminal has invited submissions under the state’s Voluntary Pricing Protocol after issuing a 60-day notification of forthcoming increases in infrastructure/access charges.

Chief commercial officer Olga Coelho Heubert, in a notice to customers, said VICT had experienced a notable increase in operational costs. “Despite all efforts to contain and absorb some of the cost increases, VICT has been unable to avoid the increases in our operational input and lease cost which, without adjustment to some of our infrastructure related costs, would negatively impact the continued service levels that our customers expect from us,” she said. 

“The landside charges recover part of the costs related to maintenance and operation costs on our landside, property costs, capital investment to the landside infrastructure. This step is crucial to maintaining and enhancing the efficiency of our services to meet your needs effectively.”

The revised landside charges are intended to apply on full containers:

Effective 1 June 2024:  
VGM Weight Discrepancy Fee of $200 per container (subject to GST) – it will remain unchanged.
Reefer Temperature Discrepancy Fee will be adjusted from $75 to $86.25 per full container (subject to GST) 

Effective 1st July 2024:
Infrastructure Surcharge will be adjusted from $177.48 to $194.85 (subject to GST) per full container.

Ms Coelho Heubert reminded that over the past nine years VICT has made significant investments in infrastructure and equipment, including:

  • Capital investment of $782 million from 2014 to 2021
  • Recent investment of $157 million in the development of Phase 3A of the terminal expansion, completed in December 2023.
  • Ongoing terminal investment program of an additional $100 million to develop Phase 3B of the terminal expansion; due to be completed by 2026.

“VICT continues to invest heavily in technology to ensure our automated equipment and processes remain up to date to deliver consistently efficient service levels that the industry expects. We will be investing $2.8 million in the next 12 months in system automation and new AI initiatives to enhance operational efficiencies and improve service offerings,” Ms Coelho Heubert said.

“VICT has continued to maintain a sub 37-minute gate to gate truck turn time over the last twelve months despite the significant increase in activity through our gates.”

She noted VICT “is a proud supporter and participant” of the Victorian Department of Transport Voluntary Pricing Protocol and invites all parties to submit their questions and queries relating to the proposed changes to customer@vict.com.au before 26 April.