The Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) at the Port of Melbourne has enhanced its biodiversity protection technology through updated processes.
Late last year, VICT launched its rural tailgate inspection process as a contribution to protecting Victoria’s biodiversity at the Port of Melbourne.
For every shipping container that arrives in Victoria via the three terminals at the Port of Melbourne have to go through a biosecurity check known as the rural tailgate inspection if it is to go outside of metropolitan Melbourne.
Now, VICT has been completing this process on its own and on-site, leading to numerous benefits already for customers.
“There are several advantages involved in performing this inspection at the terminal,” VICT landside operations manager Rea Mihaka told ATN.
“By electing for us to do it, we offer a very competitive price, adding to bottom line savings. Also, customers don’t have to pay for the container to be carried and inspected at another location, as we can now complete this all on site and dispatch the container directly to where it needs to go.”
As part of the process, VICT now has certified inspectors who can carry out the job, looking below, above and on the sides of the container for any contamination, including mould, dust, bugs, dirt or anything not allowed into Australia.
If the container is found to be contaminated, VICT can wash or fumigate the container. VICT’s investment in training & accreditation means it has offered the service for customers since October.
“It also benefits Australia’s borders, as carrying these potentially contaminated containers to another site may involve roads and other places being contaminated too,” Rea also says.
“We’re fully equipped to inspect on the wharf and remove the contamination.”
Previously, freight forwarders have had to use other locations to clean containers. By allowing VICT to do this, customers can benefit from a more efficient experience.
“It saves time and cost, as well as fuel and drive time,” Rea says.
“By using VICT for this process, there’s no waiting time for the truck. We let the transport company know when unit has been inspected and is ready for collection.”
Read more ATN:
Toll Group to acquire major player in international freight forwarding
South Australian government steps in amid Whyalla port dispute
ANCAP targets light truck safety after record road toll