The Port of Melbourne and the Victorian Government will conduct a $1 million industry study to survey freight and containerised trade logistics, with the aim of improving supply chain productivity.
The 2020 Port of Melbourne Container Logistics Chain Study (2020 CLCS) will examine the port’s container flow, trends and changes since the last study in 2009, and the impact and nature of growth in container volumes.
Brendan Bourke, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Melbourne, said a fresh understanding of Victoria’s international and coastal container trade was critical to ensuring that appropriate infrastructure, industrial land, planning controls and policy settings are in place to support a responsive and productive supply chain.
“We have been planning this study for some time, but COVID-19 highlights how vital the Port of Melbourne and the international supply chain are to the Victorian and national economy,” Mr Bourke said.
“With population growth, demographic changes and shifts in consumer behaviour, managing the freight and transport network today, while planning for the future, requires a thorough understanding of the supply chain and the infrastructure needs that underpin it.”
Data from the last study was used to assess the freight benefits of key projects including the West Gate Tunnel project and the planned intermodal freight precinct at Truganina.
The information will support policy and investment decisions as Victoria prepares for an expected 900 million tonne increase in freight volumes by 2051.
Victorian Department of Transport and the Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne, said, “With Victoria growing rapidly so it’s more vital than ever that we have the detailed information we need to plan for the future.
“The knowledge gained from this study will help us get more freight onto trains and off local roads.”
Mr Bourke said Port of Melbourne is seeking the cooperation of its extensive stakeholder network to ensure the necessary data is provided to enable a cohesive and representative picture of container activities to be developed.
“The success of this study will rely heavily on industry support. We look forward to sharing the findings with all stakeholders so that port users and the wider supply chain can be better informed,” Mr Bourke said.
The Port of Melbourne contributes $6 billion to Victoria’s economy each year, with a total trade volume of 97 million revenue tonnes in 2018-19.
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