Opening in August 2024, the Kenwick IMT was made possible through an agreement with the Federal and State Governments, which contributed $10 million towards the $25 million project, with Arc funding the remaining $15 million.
The Kenwick IMT has had an immediate and profound impact on the capacity to move containers through Fremantle Port, with rail modal share consistently at or above 20% since the terminal commenced operations and is continuing an upward trajectory.
The modal shift to rail is further supported by the State Government's container rail subsidy. During 2024–2025, 208,699 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) were transported by rail from Fremantle Port, the highest annual amount recorded since the introduction of the container rail subsidy in 2007.
According to the State Government, around 141,000 one-way truck movements are estimated to have been removed from roads during 2024-25, easing pressure on road networks and improving efficiency, sustainability and road safety.
Arc Infrastructure Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Unwin said the Kenwick IMT project was a great example of positive collaboration with Government to achieve common goals.
"Prior to the Kenwick IMT, constrained inland IMT capacity effectively capped rail share of import and export containers at 20% compared to road transport.
"In just 12 months since the Kenwick IMT opened, we've seen rail modal share grow consistently higher and creep towards 30%.
"We know increasing the volume of freight on rail is beneficial for all – it improves efficiency and safety, taking more trucks off roads and reducing traffic congestion and ensures a more resilient supply chain, ultimately supporting the Western Australian economy," Stephanie said.
Operated by Intermodal Group, the Kenwick IMT has a throughput capacity of over 200,000 TEUs with additional capacity for an empty container park.
Intermodal Group Vice President Adam Lebihan said the group was proud of what has been achieved since operations at the terminal began.
"We are continuing to see volumes grow each month from Kenwick and our total containers moved through the terminal has been exceptional for our first year of operations. The Kenwick IMT is now a vital part of the freight transport network in Perth and will only continue to grow in the coming years," Adam said.
The Kenwick IMT also presents a great opportunity to mitigate road congestion and disruption resulting from the upcoming year-long closure of Fremantle Traffic Bridge from early 2026. Freight which would normally be transported by trucks on roads adding to congestion, now have the ability shift to rail and utilise the unlocked inland IMT capacity.