As part the Undertaking, PoM released the draft Pricing Order Engagement Protocol (POEP) on 2 September 2022 for consultation.

In addition to the draft POEP, PoM has prepared a summary of its 2022 Industry Consultation Program.  Feedback from stakeholders received through this program has helped inform the draft POEP. The summary report can be download here.

PoM continues to grow and enhance its stakeholder engagement capability, as we operate and develop the port in the interests of the Victorian economy and consumers We are updating our internal business systems and processes to support the implantation of the PEOP and support our stakeholder engagement practice to reference the IAP2 framework.  This will include training staff to support its implementation.

Please submit your feedback by 30 September 2022, through these channels:

• Email: rts@portofmelbourne.com
• Mail: GPO Box 2149, Melbourne VIC 3001 Australia

PoM welcomes all feedback about the POEP and will amend the protocol as required. A final version of the POEP will be published in late 2022.

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We have prepared an overview of our PCEP stakeholder engagement program which can be downloaded here. Our key focus over the coming months is to engage with our stakeholders and seek feedback on the key drivers of capacity which are contained within the following independent expert reports. The reports below will be published in early September 2022:

• Port capacity
• Ship Fleet Forecast; and
• Demand Forecast

The findings from these reports will be used to inform a Cost Benefit Analysis.

Outlined below is an overview of the current timeline of our immediate next steps.

• Early September 2022, publish the independent expert reports and a more detailed stakeholder engagement presentation pack.
• Mid September 2022, commence face to face and online engagement, at which time we will request your feedback on the validity of independent expert reports.
• October 2022, receive all written feedback from stakeholders.
• November 2022, publish a stakeholder engagement report.

We will also engage with stakeholders between December 2022 and March 2023 to seek feedback on the emerging findings from the Cost Benefit Analysis.

For more information contact community@portofmelbourne.com

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Strong volumes have been seen in July ahead of the traditional peak season.

July 2022 saw total container throughput (full and empty) up 3.7% over July 2021 with a total of 285,561 TEU.  Year to date container volumes are up 3.7%.

Full overseas imports were up 3.9% on July 2021 with strong trade flowing through post Shanghai lockdowns,  whilst full container exports were down 5.7% on July 2021, with miscellaneous manufactures, timber, barley, non-alcoholic beverages and fresh fruit below last year’s levels.

Total empty container movements were 16.2% above July 2021.

July 2022 trade performance compared with July 2021 was as follows:

Trade outlook

Container trade for early August 2022 is tracking above the comparative month in 2021.

Supply chain

The global supply chain continues to be challenged, and despite some evidence of consumer spending slowing due to inflationary pressures, there remains ongoing congestion at major hubs and inland networks.  Overflow of volume has been seen to neighbouring ports due to industrial action across parts of the US, UK and Germany, in addition to weather issues, ongoing issues related to the Ukraine conflict, and the fact that ports are continuing to work through large volumes of backlog cargo.

Trade volumes to Australia remain strong however congestion continues to be seen in the Oceania region due to severe weather and vessel bunching.  Locally the supply chain remains resilient and we continue to monitor the situation ahead of peak season.

Please call your Port of Melbourne contact or email us at information@portofmelbourne.com if you have any queries.

To download a PDF of this update click here.

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With COVID restrictions lifting in Shanghai in early June, goods started to flow, which resulted in a slight volume uplift in June compared with May, although total volumes remain slightly down on the prior year.

June 2022 saw total container throughput (full and empty) decline 1.3% over June 2021 with a total of 272,349 TEU.  Year to date container volumes are down 1.9%, recognising that FY21 trade figures were abnormally high.

Full overseas imports decreased 2.0% on June 2021 as Shanghai trade reopened,  whilst full container exports were down 6.1% on June 2021, with the ongoing timber log export bans to China continuing to impact results.

Total empty container movements were 5.6% above June 2021.

June 2022 trade performance compared with June 2021 was as follows:

Trade outlook

Container trade for early July 2022 is tracking below the comparative month in 2021.

Supply chain

With Shanghai fully open from restrictions in early June, reports are that Shanghai has experienced an exceptional bounce in exports with a record trade surplus on the back of pent up demand.  Comments regarding global supply chains returning to normal remain cautious, whilst demand for goods has softened, particularly discretionary goods, as retailers run down stock levels due to inflationary concerns.

North East Asian trade to Australia remains strong, but some vessels caught up in congestion during May have caused some sliding in schedules and bunching, however the supply chain remains resilient, and we continue to monitor the situation ahead of peak season.

Please call your Port of Melbourne contact or email us at information@portofmelbourne.com if you have any queries.

To download a PDF of this update click here.

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May 2022 saw total container throughput (full and empty) decline 6.0% over May 2021 with a total of 271,053 TEU.  Year to date container volumes are down 1.9%.

Total container imports decreased 3.9% on May 2021. Containerised imports of miscellaneous manufactures, furniture, metal manufactures and textiles were all down on May 2021 volumes.

Full container exports grew 1.1% on May 2021 volumes as a result of uplifts of fresh fruit, milk (processed), hay, chaff and fodder, and wheat.  Total empty container movements were 14.1% below May 2021 due to a combination of factors including vessel scheduling issues, congestion and a reduced number of total services seen at PoM across the entire month.

Overall May 2022 container trade results compared with May 2021 were as follows:

• full overseas container imports 6.0% below May 2021 with year to date volumes down 2.5%;
• full overseas container exports 1.1% above May 2021 with year to date volumes down 5.6%;
• full container transhipments were 21.1% below May 2021 with year to date volumes down 8.9%;
• full container trade between Melbourne and Tasmania (excluding transhipments) increased 6.5% on May 2021 to total 19,831 TEU with year to date volumes down 0.3%; and
• total empty container movements were 14.1% below May 2021 totalling 69,233 TEU with year to date volumes up 1.6%.
• motor vehicle imports increased 16.7% (+4,879 units) on May 2021, with year to date volumes up 13.2%
• dry bulk trade was up 1.2% over May 2021, with year to date volumes up 11.5%.
• break bulk trade was up 50.2% over May 2021, with year to date volumes up 34.7%.
• liquid bulk trade was 17.4% below May 2021, with year to date volumes down 1.8%.

Trade outlook

Container trade for early June 2022 is tracking below the comparative month in 2021.

Supply chain

After two months of COVID lockdowns, Shanghai has eased restrictions from early June.  Whilst the world’s largest container port has continued to operate during this period of lockdowns, albeit at a reduced capacity, the flow on effects of moving containers to nearby ports has compounded the issues of landside congestion, delays and equipment availability.  As Shanghai fully opens, and stalled factories, warehouses, workers and vessels resume normal operations, this will likely put more pressure on the back half of 2022 across global supply chains as we head towards the traditional peak season.

Locally, we continue to monitor congestion including to landside dwell time, as overall, volumes remain strong across containers.  Strong uplifts in break bulk volumes, for both automotive and steel commodities, remain ongoing.

Please call your Port of Melbourne contact or email us at information@portofmelbourne.com if you have any queries.

To download a PDF of this update click here.

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Melbourne’s continued success as Australia’s largest general cargo and container port relies on effective coordination and collaboration across a broad network of port users, transport and logistics operators and other stakeholders. Port of Melbourne (PoM) completed its annual industry consultation program across March and April, with more than 60 stakeholders participating through online forums and meetings.  We received valuable feedback on a range of issues – from tariffs through to port performance measures, and our approach to engagement on port development.

PoM has now finalised its Tariff Compliance Statement (TCS) for 22-23, having considered the feedback we received. The TCS and the Reference Tariff Schedule for the year ahead can be found on our website. We are highly attuned to the importance of engaging with stakeholders on port development matters and the stakeholder feedback we received will be used to inform our approach to engagement on port development later this year.

We look forward to continuing to consult with port users and other stakeholders to ensure the Port is operated and developed in the interests of the Victorian economy and Victorian consumers.

Click here > Industry Update – June 2022

Best regards

Saul Cannon
Chief Executive Officer

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The new road has been named Intermodal Way, and is a reflection of the integration of maritime, rail and road freight modes which all converge at the port to seamlessly move the vital cargo which supports the operation of our communities, State and the nation.

Upon its completion in November 2022, this new road will provide an uninterrupted connection for movement of containers between Dock Link Road and the wider port area. This new road also facilitates the closure of a section of Coode Road between Dock Link Road and Phillips Road.

PRTP involves the development and construction of a new rail terminal interfacing with the Swanson Dock East International Container Terminal. The rail terminal will include two new sidings that can handle 600-metre long trains. Common user rail infrastructure will also be upgraded.

“We have invested over $125m in the project, and it shows our commitment in meeting the growing demand for better rail freight solutions,” said Saul Cannon, Chief Executive Officer.

“The project will see more containers moved by rail more efficiently, by-passing roads in inner Melbourne.”

There will be a two-phased implementation of these permanent changes to Coode Road. Between July to November 2022, there will be a temporary diversion connecting Dock Link Road to Coode Road to enable the works to be safely undertaken. From November 2022, the new Intermodal Way is expected to be open and the section of Coode Road between Dock Link Road and Phillips Road will be closed. Port users are requested to observe traffic management and signage which will be in place during this period.

More information on road changes can be found on our works notice.

For more information go to our PRTP project page.

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April 2022 saw total container throughput (full and empty) decline 5.0% over April 2021 with a total of 255,193 TEU.  Year to date container volumes are down 1.6%.

Total container imports decreased 4.2% on April 2021. Containerised imports of miscellaneous manufactures, metal manufactures, textiles and furniture were all down on April 2021 volumes.

Total container exports decreased 6.1% on April 2021. Containerised exports of fresh fruit, scrap metal, pulp and waste paper and milk (processed) were all down on April 2021 volumes.

Overall April 2022 container trade results compared with April 2021 were as follows:

• full overseas container imports 2.5% below April 2021 with year to date volumes down 2.3%;
• full overseas container exports 9.8% below April 2021 with year to date volumes down 6.2%;
• full container transhipments were 14.2% below April 2021 with year to date volumes down 7.7%;
• full container trade between Melbourne and Tasmania (excluding transhipments) decreased 2.8% on April 2021 to total 17,352 TEU with year to date volumes down 1.0%; and
• total empty container movements were 3.9% below April 2021 totalling 68,830 TEU with year to date volumes up 3.3%.
• motor vehicle imports decreased 1.7% (-618 units) on April 2021, with year to date volumes up 12.8%
• dry bulk trade was down 7.7% over April 2021, with year to date volumes up 12.7%.
• break bulk trade was up 33.6% over April 2021, with year to date volumes up 33.3%.
• liquid bulk trade was up 1.2% over April 2021, with year to date volumes flat .

Trade outlook

Container trade for early May 2022 is tracking below the comparative month in 2021.

Supply chain

The lockdown in Shanghai continues to dominate global supply chains.  The world’s largest container port continues to be significantly impacted by congestion, with a growing number of vessels waiting to unload and load cargo, compounded by landside delays and trucking availability, with some shipping lines forced to divert cargo to surrounding Chinese ports.

Locally, congestion delays have improved, however we continue to monitor the situation impacting Shanghai and its surrounding ports for any potential flow on effect resulting in an increase in congestion and delays as we head towards peak season.

Please call your Port of Melbourne contact or email us at information@portofmelbourne.com if you have any queries.

To download a PDF of this update click here.

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Keith Gordon, the Port’s longstanding EGM Operations is retiring and Craig Faulkner has been appointed to the role, commencing 20 June 2022.

Craig joins the Port from the Kimberley Ports Authority where he has been CEO since 2019.  He has extensive experience in the ports sector, having also held CEO roles at the Port of Launceston and Australian Amalgamated Terminals here in Melbourne. As well as this he has previously held senior leadership roles in companies operating ports, port terminals, distribution, towage and bunkering operations in all states in Australia, and in New Zealand.

Tony Murphy will join the Port on 30 May as EGM Port Development.  This is a new role on the Port Executive, bringing focus to the port’s capacity planning and development, in line with the Port Development Strategy. Tony is returning to PoM having previously held the role of GM Infrastructure Delivery, with responsibility for development of Webb Dock.  He has also held senior development roles at the University of Melbourne, the Arts Centre and Transurban.

The Port thanks Keith Gordon for his significant contribution to the Port over the past 17 years. Keith has spent many years in senior port roles around Australia before his time here and has made a significant contribution to the maritime logistics sector throughout his career.  We look forward to marking. Keith’s contribution to PoM closer to his retirement date.

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March 2022 saw total container throughput (full and empty) decline 6.9% over March 2021 with a total of 270,564 TEU.  Year to date container volumes are down 1.3%.

Total container imports decreased 6.3% on March 2021. Containerised imports of miscellaneous manufactures, furniture and metal manufactures were all down on March 2021 volumes.

Total container exports decreased 7.5% on March 2021. Containerised exports of fresh fruit, scrap metal and wheat were all down on March 2021 volumes.

Overall March 2022 container trade results compared with March 2021 were as follows:

• full overseas container imports 2.3% below March 2021 with year to date volumes down 2.4%;
• full overseas container exports 11.0% below March 2021 with year to date volumes down 5.8%;
• full container transhipments were 42.4% above March 2021 with year to date volumes down 7.9%;
• full container trade between Melbourne and Tasmania (excluding transhipments) decreased 0.9% on March 2021 to total 19,564 TEU with year to date volumes down 0.8%;
• total empty container movements were 18.4% below March 2021 totalling 63,665 TEU with year to date volumes up 3.9%;
• motor vehicle imports increased 12.0% (+3,667 units) on March 2021, with year to date volumes up 15.1%;
• dry bulk trade was up 2.1% over March 2021, with year to date volumes up 15.9%;
• break bulk trade was down 0.9% over March 2021, with year to date volumes up 33.2%; and
• liquid bulk trade was up 20.6% over March 2021, with year to date volumes down 0.2%.

Trade outlook

Container trade for early April 2022 is tracking slightly below the comparative month in 2021.

Supply chain

Global demand for shipping capacity remains high, with evidence that some rates are moderating from their extreme highs, although still well elevated from pre-pandemic levels.  Congestion across many global ports is reported to be improving, however China’s strict COVID-19 policy remains a concern for supply chains due to the impacts of lockdowns on shipping services at these major hubs.

Australian ports along the East Coast have been impacted by severe weather events, with shipping lines revising schedules, changing rotations or taking on significant delays.  Locally, congestion delays have improved, however the weather events at other ports has seen a large uplift in transhipment cargo, which has impacted landside dwell time, placing pressure on the supply chain.

Please call your Port of Melbourne contact or email us at information@portofmelbourne.com if you have any queries.

To download a PDF of this update click here.

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