Port of Melbourne has awarded a construction contract to Seymour Whyte Constructions to move ahead with its Port Rail Transformation Project (PRTP).
With the implementation of the PRTP, more containers will be able to be moved by rail more efficiently and will increase the overall rail terminal capacity and operations at the port.
As part of the project, a new rail terminal interfacing with the Swanson Dock East International Container Terminal will need to be developed and constructed.
“Port volumes continue to grow. We are responding to that growth by developing innovative and sustainable solutions to improve rail usage at the port, and also the added benefit of increased connectivity for a more efficient and effective port supply chain,” said Brendan Bourke, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Melbourne.
“This is an exciting and much-needed project to facilitate more freight on rail. The increased rail offering will reduce the number of trucks on the road, especially around the inner western suburbs, and will support the metropolitan port rail shuttle network.”
John Kirkwood, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Seymour Whyte Constructions, added “We are delighted to have entered into an early contractor involvement (ECI) contract with Port of Melbourne earlier this year and now the delivery contract of this important Port Rail Transformation Project.”
The Port of Melbourne previously told PTI that “rail must play an increased role in the port freight task”. This said after funding was granted to the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal to expand and accommodate present and future inland rail services and build on the Port of Melbourne’s pledge to transport more containers by rail.
