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| | | | | | | Message from the CEO As we embrace the new year, Port of Melbourne remains committed to fostering a resilient and collaborative trade environment. In light of recent challenges impacting the industry – including industrial action and the knock-on effects of protests at Webb Dock – we are more determined than ever to champion sustained trade growth and a resilient supply chain. | | | | | | Notably, we kicked off the year with the completion of our Webb Dock East Extension Project, boosting the port's capability. The 71-metre quay line extension restores the dock's intended design capacity for two-berth operations, accommodating larger ships and enhancing efficiency – a step towards facilitating growing trade and strengthening the supply chain. Further to continued investments in port infrastructure, our focus this year remains on seamless collaboration and engagement with stakeholders to ensure the smooth flow of goods, optimised traffic movements, and the sustainability of the industry. In 2024, as Port of Melbourne progresses the development of pivotal projects, we look forward to working with each of our stakeholders to continue upholding Victoria's key role as a leading trade gateway. Best regards
Saul Cannon | | | | | | Trade & Supply Chain Update - 2023 Q4 
Container trade in Q4 2023 witnessed a decline compared to the corresponding period in the preceding year.
Persistent increases in interest rates, inflation, challenging economic conditions, and reduced consumer spending throughout 2023 contributed to year-on-year decreases in full container imports up to November 2023. Additionally, adverse weather conditions posed challenges for key export commodities throughout much of Q4 2023, including hay, cotton, and wheat, as compared to the previous year. With the surplus between full imports and exports diminishing, this consequently led to a significant reduction in empty container exports in Q4 2024.
Despite these challenges, December 2023 saw a positive shift, marked by a notable recovery in full container trade, with an increase in both full imports and exports compared to the same month in the previous year.
Non-container trade in Q4 2023 has maintained stability compared to the prior year, commencing on a strong note across all categories, but showing a decline towards the end of the quarter. Click here to read more. | | | | | | | | | | | Port of Melbourne Releases 2023 Sustainability Report | | | | | | | | PoM released its 2023 Sustainability Report late last year, detailing progress over the past year. Sustainability is important to support the port's efficient 24/7 operations and grow the port to meet the increasing trade requirements of south-eastern Australia. | | | | | | | | | | | Disruption Event at the Port | | | | | | PoM notes that the Department of Transport and Planning has established a Disruption Response Group under its Voluntary Code of Practice.
PoM can confirm that the Port is currently experiencing congestion, which is compounded by congestion at other ports and affecting supply chains. While there are some seasonal and operational factors at play, the combination of industrial action and protest action continues to require careful monitoring management.
PoM will participate in the Disruption Response Group (DRG) to ensure shared and accurate information, and support a State-based response management of congestion impacts.
| | | | | | | | | | | On Friday, 19 January 2024, protestors blockaded sections of Webb Dock, resulting in the temporary suspension of operations at the Victorian International Container Terminal (VICT). On 22 January, protestors were moved on from the precinct and operations resumed shortly after. | | | | | | | As landlord, PoM has an obligation to ensure the safe and secure operation of the port and maintain the movement of goods and services for Victorian consumers. Therefore, we appreciate your patience and support during this period as we continue to work with VicPol and port users to minimise ongoing disruptions from protests. | | | | | | Port Infrastructure Update Port of Melbourne Completes Webb Dock East Extension Project PoM has boosted its capability with the completion of the Webb Dock East Extension project. The multi-million-dollar project involved demolishing a redundant section of concrete – 'the knuckle' – and extending the quay line by 71 metres. Already Australia's largest container and general cargo port, traffic at PoM continues to grow. Removing the knuckle will reduce port congestion, improve efficiency and allow larger ships to offload, as well as restoring the intended design capacity of the area to a two-berth operation. | | | | | | | | Webb Dock East is Australia's first fully automated container terminal and is operated by Victoria International Container Terminal Limited (VICT). The recently completed project will allow VICT to commission its two new Neopanamax ships to Shore Cranes – the largest in Australia. | | | | | | PoM is proud to invest in the port, ensuring we meet the trade needs of our growing population and economy. | | | | | | | Dredging Works There has been significant progress in capital and maintenance dredging works at the port, including the completion of 24/7 capital dredging (28,100m3) in the vicinity of the recently completed Webb Dock East Extension project. Ongoing maintenance work expected to be completed in February: | | | | | | • Capital dredging (3,700m3) for a proposed new tug berth immediately downstream of the West Gate Bridge.
• Maintenance dredging (71,300m3) of berth pockets, approaches, and silt traps at Appleton Dock, Swanson Dock, Maribrynong/Yarraville, Webb Dock East, Gellibrand Pier, and Station Pier. | | | | | | | | Policy and Government Forums PoM COVID-19 Submission PoM has made a submission on the 231215 Commonwealth Government COVID-19 Response Inquiry (Discussion Paper), outlining 15 recommendations to safeguard Australia's freight sector and support future policy planning and discussions. The COVID-19 crisis acutely highlighted the critical role of the freight and logistics sector. Therefore, in an effort to improve and preserve supply chain resilience, we look forward to continue engaging with the Government on issues relating to health emergency responses – ensuring that our sector is robust, resilient, competitive, and reliable. | | | | | | Community Engagement 2023 Stakeholder Survey PoM has released the results of our 2023 Stakeholder Survey. In its second year running, the survey helps us understand the needs of our stakeholders and engage with them in a meaningful way. | | | | | | | | Notably, findings show that PoM's overall reputation remains healthy, with strengthened trust in the organisation. Around a third of stakeholders surveyed felt PoM had improved its reputation over the past year. The participation of port users, stakeholders, and the broader industry is much appreciated, and we look forward to engagement throughout 2024. | | | | | | Read the full report here. | | | | | | | Quarterly Industry Boat Tour | | | | | | Each quarter, PoM offers the wider industry the opportunity to attend a boat tour of Australia's largest container and general cargo port, while networking with members of the industry. More than 130 attendees were present at our most recent tour in November 2023.
PoM's next Industry Boat Tour will take place on 28 February, 2024. Register here.
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