Fremantle Ports will go to the market for the re-leasing of its two container shipping terminals on North Quay, Western Australia.
The current leases held by DP World and Patrick have been in place since 1996 and are due to expire in June 2019.
WA Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, said the opportunity was being offered in an open market expression of interest process.
“The approach being taken provides a level of certainty for industry and flexibility to allow the Government to implement future Westport recommendations,” Ms Saffioti said.
The intention is to grant new seven-year leases with options for extensions for two further periods of up to seven years, at the discretion of Fremantle Ports and dependant on the outcome of the Westport: Port and Environs Strategy.
A new management agreement for the operation of the North Quay Rail Terminal will also be put in place through a parallel request for proposals process.
“As part of the process, we will be looking for proposals that will improve the efficiency of land transport movements of containers to and from the port that will benefit the community,” Ms Saffioti said.
“We have already achieved some success in increasing the percentage of freight on rail to Fremantle Port, and will continue to drive to achieve more.”
The container trade is of significant importance to Western Australia and it is essential that it continues to be serviced efficiently.
The initial seven-year lease term for the container terminals is considered appropriate and supportive of the Westport process.
The Westport taskforce will make recommendations on the timing and triggers of additional container port facilities by the end of next year.
