Initial service to operate six times a week, with plans to increase frequency in the future
Aurizon’s new rail port shuttle made its maiden run from the Port of Botany to its Enfield Intermodal facility this week.
The service aims to provide customers better connectivity between the port and western Sydney.
The initial service will operate six times a week, with plans to increase the frequency in the medium-term to accommodate growing customer demand.
“We are delighted to have operated the first shuttle today and look forward to welcoming more customers on board through delivering safe, efficient and reliable rail services through Sydney”, Aurizon EVP customer & strategy Mauro Neves says.
“The Enfield Intermodal Terminal is ideally positioned in Sydney’s inner west with direct and dedicated rail freight corridor to Port Botany.
“Delivering on the Port Shuttle and building volume and scale with high-quality customers is integral to Aurizon Intermodal’s success in a very competitive market.”
Earlier this year, Aurizon signed a ten-year lease to operate at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre (ILC), which is owned by NSW Ports.
“Intermodal facilities such as Enfield will become a vital part of the future port supply chain for New South Wales, becoming inland extensions to Port Botany, allowing the needs of the people and businesses of New South Wales to be met into the future,” NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas says.
“NSW Ports has set a target to move three million TEU [twenty-foot equivalent units] per year by rail by 2045 to meet the state’s growing trade needs into the future.
“The commencement of the port shuttle service at Enfield is important in achieving this and provides a platform for the future growth and development of this new transport and warehousing hub in Sydney”.
Every one million TEU moved by rail is expected to reduce up to 900 truck trips around the Port each day, the company states.
Having registered a massive decline in net profit in the last financial year, Aurizon has shifted its focus to rail service profitability.
The company is hopeful that the new port shuttle service will help uplift its intermodal business.
The company recently signed a new five-year contract with K&S Freighters, which includes transportation of up to 20,000 TEU per annum across Australia.