Port of Melbourne ‘ready to roll’ on new rail transformation project
Melbourne’s lagging container rail aspirations have been given another push with a construction contract to move ahead with the Port Rail Transformation Project (PRTP).
The PRTP aims to enable more containers to be moved by rail more efficiently, by-passing roads in inner Melbourne and two contracts towards it were signed in February.
The project will increase rail terminal capacity and improve rail terminal operations, according to port operator Port of Melbourne (POM).
“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,” POM CEO Brendan Bourke said of the project.
“We have engaged Seymour Whyte Constructions to be our key delivery partner on this exciting rail project.”
The PRTP involves the development and construction of a new rail terminal interfacing with the Swanson Dock East International Container Terminal.
The rail terminal will include two new sidings that can handle 600 linear meter trains and will interface with the Patrick international container terminal.
Common-user rail infrastructure will also be upgraded.
A new road to facilitate an uninterrupted connection for container movement between the new rail terminal and the wider Swanson Dock precinct will also be constructed.
Read about related contracts earlier in the year, here
“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,” Bourke said.
The project forms part of the Port of Melbourne’s 2050 Port Development Strategy, defining critical infrastructure programs needed to support the economic growth of Victoria and aiming for a completion date in mid-2023.
“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,” Seymour Whyte MD and CEO John Kirkwood said.
Along with container rail logistics generally, container stevedoring operator Patrick will be a primary beneficiary
“I am pleased to confirm Patrick’s continued investment in port rail capacity,” Patrick Terminals CEO Michael Jovicic said.
“Our contribution to the Port Rail Transformation Project will help drive more efficient movement of rail volumes in line with broader policy to support modal shift.”