The Port of Newcastle’s container ambitions are continuing to grow, with container operations now forming part of the Multipurpose Terminal’s services at the Mayfield 4 Berth.
The Empty Container Park compliments Port of Newcastle’s Multipurpose Terminal container capability and growth, which is located adjacent to the Multipurpose Terminal – minimising additional landslide movements.
Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody, said over 60 per cent of New South Wales container exports in the financial year ending 30 June 2022 were empty containers.
“Empty container management is a vital function for efficient container trade operations,” he said.
“Empty container parks aid in managing the imbalance between imports and exports that exists within Australian container operations by assisting container flow.”
Port of Newcastle Senior Manager of Business Development, Kate McArthur, said access to a ready supply of empty containers will allow farmers to export more produce in the future.
“Having access to empty containers aids speed to market, which allows exporters to take advantage of opportunities and capitalise on good prices,” she said.
“We are hopeful by working with farmers, business owners and other key stakeholders we can continue to develop infrastructure to better serve the needs of our future customers.”
According to McArthur, a challenge for agri-businesses in the last few seasons has been accessing empty containers to fill and send back to port.
“With growth of our operations and capabilities, we aim, over time, to fill this gap in the market and ensure our farmers and agri-businesses have every opportunity to take full advantage of large harvest seasons and export their product effectively and efficiently,” she said.
Back-of-berth hardstand expansion works are currently underway at the Multipurpose Terminal, with waterside works to begin later in the year to accommodate larger vessels.
Once complete, the Multipurpose Terminal will be able to accommodate 85 per cent of container vessels that arrive in Australia.
In other news, container logistics operator, ACFS Port Logistics, has transformed its digital presence.
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