DP World West Swanson Terminal will begin the transformation from the current entry gates at the Eastern end of Coode rd (cnr of Dock Link rd) to Mackenzie rd. This is scheduled to begin at the end of May, beginning of June. This project is anticipated to be completed during the 1st quarter of 2026.There will be 3 phases that will impact truck drivers.
Phase 1 Current Pre gate will move to Main gate holding yard:
The OCR entry for carriers will remain. But the Kiosks where driver swipe their MSIC will be decommissioned, drivers will be required to proceed to Main gate holding yard (pictured below). Where they will swipe their MSIC. Jobs will be processed, and grid allocations will be made at this temporary entry point. This will also be where the truck turn time is calculated from for the time being these gates are in use. The demarcation on the overhead gantry signs will change from specific grid blocks as they are now (eg GR1) to 'Any'.
This means we will be asking drivers to line up at the shortest queue as they enter, keeping as far right as practicable to allow as many trucks as possible to enter the holding yard. Any trucks that have jobs that are unable to be completed will not be able to exit the yard until a DPW escort arrives.
Phase 2 Main gate holding yard is closed, temporary gates commissioned:
While the Main gate holding yard is being used, construction will begin on temporary entry adjacent to the existing main gate holding yard, these gates will be constructed in what is currently our northwestern block of container pads.
Once completed there will be switch over to these gates (ETA early July) where drivers will swipe their MSIC. Jobs will be processed, and grid allocations will be made at this 2nd temporary entry point. This will also be where the truck turn time is calculated from for the time being while these gates are in use. The demarcation on the overhead gantry signs will remain as 'Any'. Drivers are to continue to line up at the shortest queue as they enter.
Construction will then begin on the main gate yard and adjoining areas to create the new entry and expanded holding yard for the terminal going forward.
Phase 3 Opening of new Mackenzie rd Truck entry:
Currently the plans are to open the new Truck entry on Mackenzie rd during the 1st Qtr of 2026. As the opening approaches further details will be announced on the order of operations for the new gates.
We expect this change to improve traffic flow in the port precinct overall, give carriers easier access to and from the terminal with access to the new West Gate Tunnel ramps, dispense with the congestion that happens at Dock Link rd and Intermodal way.
Most of the industry will have experienced the disruption that came about as a result of the drive on grids construction in 2024. While we do not expect the same scale simply by virtue of the fact that construction will not be happening in and around trucks and straddles delivering and receiving containers. You will note that it is not an insignificant portion of the yard will be taken up when phase 2 temporary gate is operational thus reducing yard capacity. The orientation of West Swanson Terminal means majority of the units within terminal sit in the northern part of yard and this will have impacts on productivity and efficiencies not only for DP World but for carriers and industry partners alike.
We would like to take this opportunity for carriers, forwarders, importers, exporters, shipping lines and industry bodies to communicate this throughout their network contacts. Specifically noting that change in operations will be required. It will no doubt mean the operations of industry partners will be impacted and maybe required to operate at times they ordinarily would not. So this may mean more night shift or weekend work for carriers that operations do not currently factor this in. Or for those that do, it may mean being flexible enough to change the day of weekend they currently work from Saturday to a Sunday or vice versa. Flexibility and adaptability will be a key strength of carriers over this time. As continued factors outside of the terminals control impact shipping for the entire industry.
The demand on slots at 'preferred times' will no doubt increase as the industry seeks to avoid 'less preferred times' of operation. Ensuring smooth and brisk movement through the terminal will be the priority to ensure cut offs are met and units do not dwell longer than is necessary. DPW R&D team will continue to monitor industry behaviour and will maximise every zone and shift as we adjust to the new configurations an addition to expected rollout of Optibook improvements that are being worked on.
As more updates and progress comes to hand, I will reach out and update the industry. If you have any specific questions, please email myself and I will respond as soon as I can. This is another significant project DP World is undertaking in order help facilitate improved landside operations for the industry and we will do our best to keep disruption to a minimum.
SUMMARY:
Phase 1: Pre Gate relocation to Maingate. ETA end of May/Beginning of June
Phase 2: Temporary gates entry opens. ETA early July.
Phase 3: Opening of new Mackenzie rd Truck entry ETA 1st Quarter 2026.