The only significant multi-modal port on 5,500 kilometres of Northern Australia coastline, Port of Darwin is the country’s largest live cattle export port and has traditionally handled up to 1.5m tonnes of cattle, bulk liquid imports and container and general cargoes annually.

However, the port has recently emerged as the service and supply centre for the Timor Sea offshore oil and gas industry and become the country’s second liquefied natural gas hub, explains Darwin Port Corporation (DPC) chief executive Robert Ritchie.

“Darwin LNG moving to full production of four million tonnes per year of LNG to Japan means an LNG carrier every six days at the port,” he says.

“The DPC has recently invested A$24m (US$22.9m) in developing a bulk minerals handling system, including a panamax-capable shiploader, to support the development of regional mines in central Australia and the export of the mineral wealth.

“It is anticipated by the end of 2009 bulk export volumes could be as high as 4.5m tonnes/year with considerable opportunity for further growth.

“The port’s traditional cargoes … have increased also in line with the general increased economic tempo in Northern Australia.”

The northern terminus for the AustralAsia Railway, which connects the port directly to the national rail network, the four-hectare Port of Darwin is emerging as a regional multimodal hub, says Mr Ritchie.

“It is Australia’s closest [state] capital city port to the emerging markets in Asia. The unique geographic location … positions Darwin to be an efficient gateway for trade with Asia.

“Companies, including Oxiana, have realised the benefit of total supply chain solutions using Darwin and taking advantage of the improved transit times to Asia.

“The Port of Darwin has new facilities developed in a greenfield site free from urban encroachment with significant areas set aside for expansion. The facilities are congestion-free.”

A number of regional shipping services currently call at the port, which currently has an annual container throughput of up to 15,000 teu and existing capacity for this to grow to 250,000 teu.    

“We have local operator Perkins Shipping providing services to regional and remote Northern Australia as well as regular services to Singapore and East Timor.

“Swire Shipping recently announced enhanced fortnightly services ex the East Coast of Australia through Darwin to South East Asia, as well as return services from North and South East Asia back through Darwin into South East Australia.

“Hai Win Shipping offers fortnightly services ex mainland China ports to and from Darwin.

“Mocean Shipping also offers fortnightly services from South East Asian ports.

“The services report strong trade and service demand again on the back of strong economic activity in Northern Australia.”

Mr Ritchie says the “happy” challenge facing the DPC is to ensure it has the facilities and services in place to meet anticipated significant rises in cargo throughput.

“The DPC is planning facilities and services for continued increases in the resources sector including increasing mineral exports, bulk liquids including mining consumables and possible additional onshore LNG facilities in the port.

“The 2008-2009 capital works budget has provision for A$35m (US$33.4m) to install overland conveyors to improve the loading productivity of the bulk loading system as well as the product out-turn and environmental aspects.

“Also included is A$25m (US$23.9m) for further land reclamation and creation of additional hardstand to accommodate increased vehicle imports, project and container cargoes.

“The DPC is also currently undertaking a Masterplan exercise out to 2030 to look at further investment in port facilities and services.”