The Port of Melbourne and Qube have signed a short-term agreement which makes available empty container park (ECP) capacity for up to 9,000 TEU.
In a statement, the Port said allocation of the 60,000sqm follows ongoing discussions with Qube and Freight Victoria.
Port of Melbourne CEO, Brendan Bourke, said he was pleased that the parties were able to come to a solution that would help alleviate the backlog of empty shipping containers across the supply chain as a result of strong and sustained import volumes.
“It’s critical that the port supply chain is able to able to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible, and part of that is making sure that empty containers can be moved and utilised to enable the flow of goods into and out of the port,” he said.
“We have closely monitored land requirements for the supply chain throughout the pandemic. As a result, we’ve been able to reallocate a parcel of land for a period of time which allows Qube to make use of the site while we work with industry towards longer-term solutions”, Mr Bourke said.
Welcoming the deal, Qube’s Chief Operating Officer Paul Digney said, “Qube is delighted to be part of the solution with the Port of Melbourne and we look forward to support from the industry.”
In December 2020, the Port unveiled a new rail connectivity initiative to improve the flow of trade to and from the Austrak freight hub. That plan is part of its wider goal to upgrade TEU capacity and its status as an international trade gateway.
