Port of Melbourne (PoM) has unveiled plans for works at Webb Dock East to reduce port congestion, enhance efficiency and accommodate larger container ships.
The contract for the works has been awarded to Fitzgerald Constructions Australia, with completion scheduled for the third quarter of the contract year (CY) 2023.
The project involves demolishing a redundant section of concrete and extending the quay line by 71 metres, according to a statement.
Port of Melbourne CEO Saul Cannon said that this project is an important part of a 30-year investment strategy, designed to create a more efficient and productive port that helps to strengthen Victoria’s economy.
“This project will enable two larger vessels to berth at the same time at this part of the port, reducing wait times for the ships to dock,” he noted.
Webb Dock East was designed as a two-berth terminal, and this project will restore Webb Dock East’s intended design capacity.
“It’s essential that we ensure our infrastructure responds to global trends, and these works at Webb Dock East do that,” added Cannon.
To complement PoM’s investment, Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) will also commit US$109 million (AU$150 million) in infrastructure to support the market with faster vessel turn around and additional slots for landside customers at Webb Dock East, according to VICT’s CEO, Tim Vancampen.
This investment, out of a total of US$171 million (AU$235 million) by VICT, will include two additional ship to shore (STS) cranes, six auto container carriers (ACC) and six auto stacking cranes (ASC), bringing the total STS cranes to seven.
“The additional infrastructure is expected to be operational in Q3 CY2023,” said Vancampen.
The Webb Dock East project is the third of nine projects that form the 2050 Port Development Strategy, to ensure that the Australian port is ready to accommodate the needs of a growing city and continues to make a major contribution to Victoria’s social and economic prosperity.
