Victoria International Container Terminal, Australia’s fully automated container terminal operated by ICTSI, has enhanced maritime connectivity to Asian markets through a revamped Koala service.
The service, operated by MSC, made its inaugural call at VICT on October 4, linking the Port of Melbourne directly with major ports in China and Indonesia.
VICT’s inclusion in the rotation demonstrates MSC’s confidence in VICT’s capacity to deliver world-class terminal performance, with the fixed weekly route offering increased supply chain flexibility serving Australia’s largest consumer market and providing shippers with comprehensive coverage across the country’s southern and western regions.
The Koala service rotation encompasses Shanghai – Hong Kong – Jakarta – Fremantle – Adelaide – Melbourne – Jakarta – Shanghai. With Melbourne as the final major outbound Australian port, exporters across Victoria can leverage the direct, weekly connection to key Asian markets.
The rotation is completed in approximately 35 days with seven vessels deployed.
Bruno Porchietto, VICT Chief Executive Officer, stated that the arrival of the Koala service validates VICT’s pivotal role as Australia’s preferred gateway for high-frequency, reliable shipping line services, delivering superior berth productivity with minimal operational variability, and providing stakeholders the predictability required to plan logistics around a consistent weekly window.
As Australia’s most advanced container terminal, VICT’s fully automated operations ensure rapid vessel turnaround times and schedule consistency critical factors for maintaining weekly service calls.
The terminal’s operational efficiency, combined with the service’s comprehensive coverage, provides shippers with direct and dependable cargo movement options that reduce unnecessary transshipment requirements and improve overall transit times.
The addition of the Koala service to VICT’s service portfolio strengthens the Port of Melbourne’s position as a key gateway in the Asia-Australia trade corridor, enhancing connectivity for importers, exporters, and logistics providers across the region.
VICT continues collaborating closely with major shipping lines to expand service options and strengthen Melbourne’s regional connections and access to global markets.
