Melbourne has long been seen as the plum potential site for bringing in a third stevedore to operate, as has Brisbane and Sydney.
However Victorian Roads and Ports minister Tim Pallas created some uncertainty when he announced he wanted the freight transport industry to suggest various options to expand container capacity at the port, so that it can handle a predicted four-fold increase in container throughput to 8m teu by 2035.
“While the development of Webb Dock and introduction of a third stevedore remains an option to meet growing container capacity at the port, we want to go back to industry and examine some of the alternatives in greater detail.
“We have asked the Port of Melbourne Corporation to explore and provide advice on all options for the provision of additional container capacity,” said Mr Pallas.
Market testing will begin with a discussion document, with the port corporation stressing that it is not trying to constrain the range of possibilities, and will be guided by the market.