New rail link at Port of Melbourne expected to increase freight efficiency, as dredging vessel arrives to deepen the channel
A new rail link at the Port of Melbourne is expected to significantly increase freight efficiency, as the world’s largest dredging vessel arrives to deepen the port’s channel.
The 7-kilometre rail link, which was officially opened by Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Anthony Albanese yesterday, cost $45 million.
Albanese says the investment will increase import and export levels because a double standard gauge link will now run from Tottenham to Dynon.
“It [the rail link] means more freight can be transported more quickly into and out of the Port of Melbourne,” Albanese says.
“In fact, the line will now be able to carry an additional 500 trains a week”.
His announcement follows the arrival of the Queen of the Netherlands, which is one of the world’s most technologically advanced dredging vessels. It will begin work on the Port of Melbourne’s south channel this week.
Port of Melbourne Chief Executive Stephen Bradford says the deepening project and the new rail link will expand the port’s capacity and benefit the economy by supporting jobs.
He says the investments will also help support jobs
The Queen joins the Prins der Nederlanden and the Cornelius Zanen, which are currently operating in the bay’s south and north respectively.