| | | | | | | | | Message from the CEO Since our last Industry Update in May, there have been several notable developments.
As part of the efforts we are all making towards emissions reduction, Port of Melbourne recently commenced a renewable Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Iberdrola Australia, enabling us to secure more than 60% of our electricity needs from renewable sources. This aligns with our target of achieving net-zero emission for Scope 1 and 2 port operations by 2030.
| | | | | | Looking beyond the port at the broader freight industry, Port of Melbourne and many of our stakeholders have been actively contributing to the Victorian Government's Update of the Victorian Freight Plan. A robust freight system roadmap is essential for the resilience of Victoria's freight network, and we are pleased to have this opportunity and to see so many members of our industry participate.
Furthermore, as the West Gate Tunnel Project progresses, we look forward to improved connectivity and accessibility around the Port, which will enhance supply chain efficiency. Freight, cargo, and supply chains are vital for delivering goods to our communities and serve as an economic multiplier for Victoria and the nation. This is why we are continuing to work closely with the government and stakeholders, such as yourself, to ensure Victoria remains the freight capital of the nation. Best regards
Saul Cannon | | | | | | Trade & Supply Chain Update 
In FY24, container trade surpassed FY23 performance due to robust full import and export volumes in the second half of the year.
Exports, primarily consisting of agricultural products, were supported by a strong growing season and favourable trade conditions, particularly lentils and barley. Although there was a decline in consumer goods imports in FY24, other commodities saw an overall increase, notably containerised vehicle imports.
Non-container trade in FY24 also saw positive growth compared to the previous year, with increases in dry bulk, liquid bulk, and motor vehicles, while a decrease was seen in break bulk.
Click here to read more. | | | | | | | | | | Working Towards the 2055 Port Development Strategy | | | | | | | | The Port Development Strategy (PDS) is our overarching development plan to improve Port capacity and respond to the needs of a growing Victoria.
All Victorian ports are legislatively required to have a PDS under the Port Management Act 1995 (Vic) and to review their PDS every five years. Port of Melbourne's 30-year 2050 PDS was published in 2020 and is due for an update in 2025.
| | | | | | To develop our 2055 strategy, we will seek stakeholder input and feedback from August to October 2024.
We will shortly invite key stakeholders to attend interviews, including those that requested an interview through our stakeholder survey conducted in July.
In 2025, our stakeholders will also have a further opportunity for engagement, this time by commenting on our draft strategy ahead of it being finalised in December.
Should you have any questions about the 2055 Port Development Strategy engagement program, please email pds@portofmelbourne.com
| | | | | | | Port of Melbourne Signs Renewable Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) | | | | | | Port of Melbourne has signed a renewable Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Iberdrola Australia. The agreement commenced on 1 July 2024, enabling Port of Melbourne to obtain more than 60 per cent of its electricity needs from renewable sources, such as Victorian-generated solar and wind. The PPA will run until the end of June 2031. Read more here. | | | | | | | Port Infrastructure Update Yarra Services Protection Project | | | | | | As part of the Channel Deepening Project in 2008-2009, the Yarra River Services Protection Structures were installed as a safeguard over three trunk services in the Yarra River downstream of the West Gate Bridge. | | | | | | Port of Melbourne has recently undertaken an assessment and identified that dredging works are required to remove silt on the surface of these protection structures. Dredging will be undertaken south of the West Gate Bridge, for a period of two to three weeks in August. For more details, view the project fact sheet here. | | | | | | | Polaris Marine's tug, Molly Grace, will then undertake a short 10-day sweeping program, with no impact to Port operations. | | | | | | | Beacon Pile Replacement Program Port of Melbourne is undertaking a long-term program of works to improve safety throughout Port Phillip Bay. We will soon be carrying out a Beacon Pile Replacement Program which will include replacing 28 monopile beacons in the South and Port Melbourne Channels. | | | | | | | | While there are no disruptions associated with the works, for safety purposes, vessels will need to provide a 50-metre minimum clearance while works are taking place. For more details, view the project fact sheet here. | | | | | | | Port Rail Transformation Project Update The Port Rail Transformation Project (PRTP) is Port of Melbourne's rail solution to meet the needs of a growing port, and to reduce truck movements in Melbourne's inner western suburbs. The site was handed over to Patrick in September 2023, with trains being able to access the terminal since late 2023. | | | | | | As Port of Melbourne continues to enhance the efficiency and safety of the rail terminal, we are actively engaged in the design and construction of staged signalling. Port of Melbourne is delighted to announce that as of June 2024, the PRTP level crossing on Intermodal Way is now fully commissioned, with automated boom gates and lights functional. Click here to learn more about the project. | | | | | | | Government and Industry Forums Update of the Victorian Freight Plan The Victorian Government's planned refresh of the State's freight strategy is an opportunity for a long-term roadmap that preserves and grows the $36-billion freight industry. Port of Melbourne has been actively contributing to this process, with a focus on an integrated infrastructure pipeline to support the strategic direction of the freight sector in Victoria. | | | | | | | | Port of Melbourne looks forward to continuing to work alongside the government, port users, sector partners, and stakeholders across the broader economy and community who benefit from a competitive, productive, sustainable, and efficient freight system. Read more here. | | | | | | | ASEAN Maritime Connectivity Forum On 10 June, Port of Melbourne attended the ASEAN Maritime Connectivity Forum in Malaysia, represented by Executive General Manager, Commercial, Shaun Mooney. | | | | | | Shaun participated in a panel, sharing insights on green shipping and supply chain management alongside Dato' Monaliza Suhaimi (Johor Port Authority), Dr Han-Seon Park (Korea Maritime Institute), and Woei Tyng Tan (Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore).
We look forward to further engaging with our counterparts in the ASEAN region, which stands as the Port's largest export trade partner
| | | | | | | | | | | | Industry Partners for the Gateway LLEN Program | | | | | | | | Port of Melbourne is in search of industry partners to participate in the Gateway LLEN program. Funded by the Victorian Department of Education & Training, Gateway LLEN is aimed at developing school-industry engagement partnerships to build a talent pipeline for industry. | | | | | | In light of the ongoing skills shortage in the freight and logistics industry, Port of Melbourne is hosting a "Reimagining Work Experience Career Immersion" session at our Port Education Centre on 6 September. The session, for Year 10 students, will allow students to recognise and evaluate the growth industries in and around the Port and the skills required to pursue them. | | | | | | We welcome involvement from the broader industry, including guest speakers, promotional collateral, and more. To find out how your organisation can get involved, please contact Christina Gallichio at education@portofmelbourne.com. | | | | | | | | Williamstown Football Club Partnership | | | | | | | | Port of Melbourne fosters a shared city-port vision and our commitment to the community goes well beyond the Port gate. We actively partner with organisations in the communities in which we operate – one such organisation being the Williamstown Football Club. As part of the partnership, Port of Melbourne funds the Seagull Sessions Clinic, a footy clinic for primary schools. | | | | | | The Clinic began in March 2024 and has since been delivered to 5 schools, with another 4 scheduled in the upcoming months. We also sponsor the Williamstown FC Accelerated Program, designed to enhance the skills of high school students. | | | | | | Open House Melbourne Boat Tour | | | | | | Port of Melbourne's boat tour returned for another iteration of Open House Melbourne Weekend on 27 and 28 July. More than 730 visitors of all ages were welcomed aboard four tours, which took them up close to port operations at Australia's largest general cargo and container port. | | | | | | |