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HPH heralds new era on Australia’s docks
Hutchison Ports Holdings (HPH) inaugurated its new Brisbane Container Terminals (BCT) today heralding what it calls a ‘seismic shift’ on Australia’s waterfront.
The new container terminal, built on reclaimed land on Fisherman’s Island in the Port of Brisbane, was officially opened by acting prime minister and minister for infrastructure and regional development, The Hon. Warren Truss.
HPH deputy chairman, Dr. John Meredith sees BCT as not only significant player in Australia’s developing trade but a key part of HPH’s global portfolio of terminals that spans as many as 52 countries.
“We intend to be here for the long haul and we intend to make a difference,” he said.
Furthermore, BCT chief executive Dr. Stephen Gumley said that the terminal’s strategic significance could not be underestimated as it is the first terminal operated by a third stevedore to service the country’s east coast trade.
“This is a dramatic and positive change on the waterfront,” stated Gumley.
“Until now this market was the sole province of two companies. Now it is one in which three companies vie for shipping line business.”
“This has to be good for shipping lines and their customers with greater value and better service.”
Dr Gumley added that BCT will play an important role in maximising the success of third stevedore operators in Sydney and Melbourne.
“Stand-alone operators will face considerable challenges in this market because typically the incumbent stevedores have tended to package ports in their offer to shipping lines or offer discounts based on national volumes.”
“HPH with its investments in Brisbane and Sydney’s Port Botany is already providing a two-port alternative and we are seeking to extend that to three east coast ports.”
BCT, covering around 26 hectares, is capable of handling 800,000 TEU annually and boasts two international container berths with a total quay length of 660 metres and a depth alongside of 14 metres. The new terminal is connected to the national and state rail services and has road freight access.
