Horne backs collaboration facilitated by state investment initiatives
Intermodal operator SCT Logistics and container logistics firm ACFS have formed a port rail strategy partnership.
The collaboration is said to open up rail freight access to the Port of Melbourne for 300,000 tonnes of freight annually and will provide direct port connectivity to regional Victoria.
For SCT the strategy comprises increased volumes moving from its Horsham and Wodonga sites to the Port of Melbourne, while it marks a significant component of its ACFS’ port-related rail facilities, particularly its newly developed Altona facility.
The parties note the project was facilitated by the Victorian Government’s Port Rail Shuttle Network (PRSN) and Port Rail Transformation (PRT) policies.
“This announcement will be the first of many based on our on-going investment in rail freight in the state, supported by the Victorian Government’s PRSN Strategy,” SCT managing director Geoff Smith says.
“SCT has substantial plans around increasing rail freight volumes, and this collaboration with ACFS will provide a strong foundation for future growth.”
Smith emphasises the importance of opening the port to regional and rural businesses.
“Export supply chains for Victoria’s regional businesses are more important than ever.
“This partnership will provide direct access for a broad cross-section of companies seeking to sell their products into Asia-Pacific markets and beyond.”
What the St Marys Freight Hub means for ACFS and Pacific National, here
ACFS managing director Arthur Tzaneros adds: “This new site is a pivotal step in our off-port expansion into metro Melbourne.”
“The site will offer a broad range of services to our existing and new customers, including 3PL warehousing and eCommerce activities.”
“We also look forward to making a major contribution to reducing congestion in and around Melbourne’s West, with this project removing over 70,000 truck movements from the roads.”
The move has the backing of Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne.
“It is fantastic to see our policies regarding both the Port Rail Shuttle Network and Port Rail Transformation Project combining to achieve outcomes like this,” Horne says.
“This collaboration will provide a major boost for both metropolitan and regional Victoria and will make it easier for farmers to access new export markets.
“It also marks another big step forward in our goal to get trucks off local roads by shifting more freight from road to rail.”
The parties note the collaboration will support growth to 600,000 tonnes of rail freight to the port annually by 2025, and will consolidate 500 jobs across the Altona, Horsham and Wodonga businesses of SCT, and generate up to 200 jobs at the ACFS Altona site.