| | | | | Message from the CEO Earlier this month, the final parts of the North East Link's Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) made their way from Port of Melbourne to Watsonia. The two 4,000-tonne TBMs are made up of components delivered via 30 superloads from Port of Melbourne. This is just one of the many instances where the Port served as a crucial gateway for Victoria's Big Build. I mention this because it highlights the importance of the Port, not only for trade, but also for the future of Victoria. | | | | | And that is why we continue to invest in Port infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and operations for port users. That said, investment alone cannot guarantee Victoria's prosperity. Collaboration with our stakeholders – government, community, and industry members such as yourselves – is key to maintaining a robust economy. As such, I am delighted to announce that Port of Melbourne's Port Capacity Enhancement Program (PCEP) Draft Cost Benefit Analysis has been published, and engagement is underway. With Melbourne set to become Australia's most populous city by 2030, we are exploring the potential of PCEP and the net benefits it could create for Victoria, preserving a resilient supply chain and meeting the demands of businesses and consumers alike. We thank each of you for your ongoing support, engagement, and collaboration in working towards our collective success. Best regards Saul Cannon | | | | | 2024-25 Reference Tariff Schedule and Tariff Compliance Statement Today, we published the Port of Melbourne 2024-25 Reference Tariff Schedule (RTS) available on our website here. The 2024-25 RTS includes Tariffs for Prescribed Services* which will increase by 3.62 percent** in 2024-25 and will apply from 1 July 2024. Port of Melbourne also today submitted the 2024-25 Tariff Compliance Statement (TCS) to the Essential Services Commission (ESC). This is the second year of our established five-year regulatory period, which runs from 1 July 2023 until 30 June 2028. This TCS includes details on tariffs for 2024-25 and provides updates on stakeholder engagement, major projects and our performance against forecasts. In each TCS we demonstrate how tariffs for the upcoming financial year comply with the Pricing Order, a regulatory instrument issued by the Governor in Council under section 49A of the Port Management Act 1995 (PMA). The 2024-25 RTS and TCS are available here. *Prescribed Services are defined under section 49 of the Port Management Act 1995 (Vic) and include channel services, berthing services, short-term storage and cargo marshalling facility services and other services allowing access or use of certain port infrastructure. **The increase is based on the annual change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12 months to March 2024 and is the All Groups Index Number (weighted average of eight capital cities) published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. | | | | | Trade & Supply Chain Update Total container trade in Q1 2024 experienced a robust increase compared to the same period last year. Container imports were strong, with furniture showing a significant increase to remain the largest import category year-on-year. Container exports saw strong growth, supported by favourable weather and growing conditions, and continued high demand for key agricultural commodities such as lentils, barley, and meats. Movement of empty containers significantly increased compared to the previous year, following a build-up of empties in the preceding months. Repositioning of empty containers to North-East Asia has risen with a high demand for empty equipment due to the ongoing Red Sea issues delaying return of equipment from major trading markets. Non-container trade in the quarter declined from the prior year, despite a positive February '24, with notable declines seen in liquid bulk and motor vehicles. Early forecasts into Q2 2024 see volumes returning for both categories, along with a notable decline in the biosecurity incursions which has dominated discussion for motor vehicle imports for some months. Click here to read more. | | | | | | | | Parking Enforcement in the Port of Melbourne | | | | | | As part of our management of the Port's commercial operations and assets, Port of Melbourne must ensure that Port roads are safe for tenants and vehicle operators. Congestion from vehicle queuing and parking in non-designated areas on Port roads has become an increasing concern and significantly impacts Port efficiency. | | | | | On 1 May, City of Melbourne Parking Infringement Officers commenced the enforcement of largely existing parking arrangements within Port boundaries in order to improve safety and efficiency at the Port. The safety of Port users, including vehicle operators, is important to Port of Melbourne and we appreciate your support and cooperation as we enhance transport safety on Port roads. Should you have any questions, please contact safety@portofmelbourne.com. | | | | | Port Infrastructure Update PCEP Draft Cost Benefit Analysis Engagement | | | | | Port of Melbourne's Port Capacity Enhancement Program (PCEP) involves developing a new international container terminal and securing the long-term future for Tasmanian trade operators. To understand the potential economic, social, and environmental impacts of the program, the Port engaged Deloitte to conduct a cost benefit analysis (CBA) of potential options for PCEP. The PCEP Draft Cost Benefit Analysis is underpinned by forecasted capacity constraints first arising in 2037 and an assumption that the Port will reach capacity on a sustained basis from 2041, with displacement of trade from 2044. | | | | | | | | Swanson Dock West Project Update The Swanson Dock West Remediation Project involves restoring the existing 1970s-era wharf's structural capacity well into the future, ensuring that it is fit for purpose for its key role in supporting the container trade into Melbourne. | | | | | | Works currently underway include new land-side piles, a reinforced concrete deck, hydro-demolition and remediation of existing concrete elements, installation of cathodic protection, and replacement of crane rails. Major works undertaken by our contractor McConnell Dowell include site mobilisation, deck demolition, piling, and top deck works for strong points. | | | | | Watch a timelapse of the project here. | | | | | Policy and Government Forums Austrade Mission to Singapore and Malaysia From 15 to 19 April, Port of Melbourne was the sole Australian port in the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)'s inaugural Australia Southeast Asia Business Exchange mission to Singapore and Malaysia. | | | | | | Led by Assistant Minister for Trade & Manufacturing, the Hon Tim Ayres, the Maritime Decarbonisation Mission presented a valuable opportunity to connect with key stakeholders in one of our most important trade regions, marking a significant step towards realizing the economic potential of our collaboration with both nations. | | | | | Furthermore, with decarbonisation being an important aspect of our sustainability initiatives, we are eager to explore potential opportunities for collaboration with our Singaporean and Malaysian counterparts. | | | | | | More than 130 members of the wider industry attended our quarterly Industry Boat Tour on 28 May, gaining an up-close view of Australia's largest container and general cargo port. Q3 tours will be announced in the next Industry Update. | | | | | | |