Port of Melbourne - Industry Update March 2026

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Message from the CEO

As we move through the first quarter of 2026, I am pleased to share important developments that strengthen Port of Melbourne's role as Australia's busiest and most connected container port.

This month, we were proud to announce a landmark collaboration with Svitzer, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and Plexar Energy to explore Australia's first fully electric towage operations, featuring next-generation TRAnsverse tugboats. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, officiated during the Danish State Visit, positions Melbourne as the first port in Australia to take this step.

We also welcomed significant long-term investment confidence in the port with Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) extending its Webb Dock East terminal operating contract through to 2066. This 26-year extension builds on ongoing investment in new terminal capacity, including a neo-Panamax ship-to-shore crane, hybrid automated straddle carriers and expanded stacking blocks, with completion scheduled for late 2027.

Together, these developments demonstrate the continued momentum behind our vision for a more sustainable, efficient and future-ready port – complementing the long-term ambitions set out in our 2055 Port Development Strategy. They build on our joint efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure, advance decarbonisation initiatives and foster collaboration across government, industry and the communities we serve.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and engagement – I look forward to continuing our shared work.

Best regards
Saul Cannon

Trade & Supply Chain Update

Container trade has increased FYTD26 compared with the prior year, supported by growth across full imports and, in particular, strong growth in empty container movements.

Non-container trade is lower year-to-date; this has been partly offset by a strong performance in Bass Strait wheeled units.

Click here to read more.

Latest Updates

Port of Melbourne, Svitzer, CIP and Plexar Energy to Explore Australia's First Fully Electric Towage Operations

Port of Melbourne and global towage operator Svitzer have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the deployment of next-generation electric tugboats and the clean-energy infrastructure required to operate them in Australia's largest container port.

The MoU was officiated at the Port of Melbourne Education Centre on 17 March 2026, in the presence of Their Majesties The King and Queen of Denmark as part of the Danish State Visit to Australia.

The shift to electric towage has the potential to deliver a range of benefits for port users, including improved vessel handling performance, reduced noise and vibration, and greater predictability in operating costs.

A renewable microgrid may also provide a resilient and efficient energy supply tailored to the specific operational requirements of tug services

This partnership reflects a shared ambition to improve port efficiency, reduce emissions and accelerate the transition to cleaner maritime operations.

Click here to read more.

Victoria International Container Terminal Extends Terminal Operating Contract

International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI)'s wholly owned subsidiary Victoria International Container Terminal Ltd. (VICT) has signed a 26-year extension of its contract to operate and manage the Webb Dock East terminal at the Port of Melbourne. This moves the expiry date from 2040 and results in a remaining contract life of 40 years at Australia's largest general cargo and container port.

ICTSI has made long-term investments in VICT since the original lease was agreed in 2014, and is currently implementing a new investment program scheduled for completion in late 2027. This includes a new neo-Panamax ship-to-shore quay crane, four hybrid automated straddle carriers and the extension of two container stacking blocks.

Click here for more information.

Patrick Terminals Strengthens Support for Rail Importers and Exporters at Port Of Melbourne

Port of Melbourne is pleased to support Patrick Terminals' initiative to encourage more freight on rail. For a period of two years commencing 1 March 2026, Patrick will waive the Exchange Transfer Charge for eligible containers moved by rail to and from Patrick PortRail Melbourne.

This aligns strongly with our Port Rail Shuttle Network (PRSN) Start-up Incentive and helps unlock even more rail uptake across the supply chain. We look forward to continuing to work with industry partners and government to grow the role of rail in a more efficient, resilient and sustainable freight network for Victoria.

Victorian Government Grants Program Launched to Help Freight Industry Decarbonise

Applications are open for the $8 million Victorian Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment Fund to help industry reduce emissions.

Small to medium-sized land-freight operators with up to 200 employees can apply for grants up to $300,000 to help transition to low or zero-emissions equipment.

Port of Melbourne welcomes the announcement and looks forward to working with government and industry partners to support freight decarbonisation efforts and contribute to Victoria's climate action targets.

Click here to find out more.

Updates from Transurban and the Department of Transport and Planning: West Gate Tunnel and No-Truck Zones

Industry has adapted well to the new no-truck zones, and we thank operators and drivers for your cooperation. From March 2026, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is ramping up enforcement and issuing infringement notices to heavy vehicles that aren't permitted in the no-truck zones.

Compliance with current regulations is essential to avoid fines and operational impacts, so it's important to ensure your routes are compliant.

What you need to do:

• Find out if you are allowed to travel in a no-truck zone
• Review the rules and regulations. Fact sheets available in English, Punjabi and Vietnamese)
• Use the No-Truck Zones Travel Check Tool to confirm eligibility or apply for a journey exemption
Guidance is available to help with applications if needed.
For more information or help, please contact Freight Victoria via email freightvictoria@transport.vic.gov.au or call the Roads Calls Centre on 13 37 78 between 8am and 6pm on weekdays.

Transurban regularly carries out maintenance on its roads and tunnels, and while every effort is taken to avoid disruptions, sometimes temporary traffic changes – including lane, ramp and road closures, and speed reductions – are needed to keep everyone safe.

Please obey reduced speed limits and drive with care when traveling around planned works.

To stay informed of traffic updates, click here or download the Linkt app and turn on real-time road alerts.

West Gate Tunnel road education materials

Onboarding new drivers and staff? A range of educational videos and resources are available on the Linkt website to support training and onboarding.

Go to Virtual tour - Linkt to learn more.

Port Infrastructure Update

Introducing the 'Paperclip': Our New Approach to Under-Wharf Access at Swanson Dock West.

Port of Melbourne has recently rolled out our new innovative access-frame system known as the "Paperclips", and they're already reshaping how under-wharf construction is delivered during Stage 2 at Swanson Dock West (SDW).

Working in collaboration with McConnell Dowell, the team took the lessons from SDW Stage 1 and turned them into a new approach for accessing the under-wharf environment. Over more than a year, we developed a safer, purpose-built solution – ultimately creating the 'Paperclip' frame system, named for its distinctive shape and function on the wharf. This innovation reflects Port of Melbourne's commitment to safer, smarter ways of working, providing effective access in tight and complex conditions.

The Paperclips give crews a stable, secure platform that supports efficient delivery. This outcome reflects the collective effort across the whole project team. We're thrilled to see this design making a meaningful difference at SDW.

Former Melbourne Market Site Update

In August 2024, Port of Melbourne announced a long-term lease for 29ha of land located at the Former Melbourne Market Site (Market Site). This lease to 2066 aligns with the existing Victorian Government 50-year port lease established in 2016.
The site will deliver purpose-built facilities, including freight logistics and storage, empty container storage, and a heavy vehicle facility.

In January 2026, Port of Melbourne commenced works at the Market Site. This initial phase of the project involves staged demolition and site clearance works, including controlled demolition and removal of materials, waste segregation and making the site safe for subsequent redevelopment.

These works will continue through to mid-late 2026, weather permitting with civil works to follow.

For more up-to-date information, click here.

Looking After Our Channels: Dredging Update

Port of Melbourne has ongoing dredging obligations to ensure the safe passage of ships visiting the port. Dredging has been routinely conducted in Port Phillip and the port area for over 100 years to allow the safe navigation of vessels and the efficient transport of cargo.

As part of the Maintenance Dredging and Sweeping Campaign program last year, works were carried out around the Southern and Northern areas of Port Phillip Bay. More recently, a five-day sweeping program was carried out in March 2026. These works were carried out on weekdays and excluded weekends to minimise disruption and maintain safety for recreational users. During the five-day sweeping campaign, an approximate total volume of 250m3 was swept to ensure our shipping channels remain at their declared depths.

In mid to late-2026, an additional minor dredging and sweeping campaign is anticipated within the Port Area. PoM will work directly with effected stakeholders and provide advance notice of impacts where required. Updates will also be published on PoM's Dredging page.

Industry Engagement

Monitoring Global Developments Across the Supply Chain

As a landlord port, PoM is uniquely placed within the supply chain to monitor, report on and communicate observations on geopolitical issues.

As fuel supply conditions continue to evolve for Victoria and the wider Australian economy, we will continue to engage with supply chain participants to identify emerging challenges. At this stage, we continue to observe fuel arriving in the expected volumes with visibility until the next buying cycle mid-April.

Similarly, trade through the port is operating as usual, with the first weeks of March signalling strong volumes, up year-on-year.

Port of Melbourne will continue to monitor the situation and work with government and industry to support a resilient supply chain for Victoria.

For any enquiries, please contact corporateaffairs@portofmelbourne.com.

Community Engagement

The Alma Doepel at South Wharf

The Alma Doepel has been safely berthed at Port of Melbourne's South Wharf 24 since January this year.

Port of Melbourne recognises the historic and community value of the Alma Doepel — a vessel restored through decades of volunteer effort — and we're glad to play a practical role in supporting the continuity of that work during this period of change. As the cherished heritage fleet moves on from Docklands, Port of Melbourne is pleased to be able to step in and provide a temporary home while the Alma Doepel prepares for her longer-term relocation.

Thank you to the Alma Doepel restoration team and the broader heritage fleet community for their ongoing dedication. We look forward to continuing to work constructively with partners across government, industry and community to uphold Melbourne's maritime heritage.

Port Education Program Update

The Port Education Program has had a busy and exciting period, engaging with students, educators, and industry partners across Victoria. Recent activities include hosting school groups from regional areas such as Gippsland, Warrnambool and Rochester, giving students firsthand insight into the diverse career pathways available in and around the port.

The team has also promoted the program at teacher and careers-focused conferences, helping educators better understand the opportunities the port sector offers.

In addition, VICT kindly supported the program by presenting to students and hosting guided terminal visits, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at port operations.

If your organisation is interested in getting involved in future activities, please contact education@portofmelbourne.com.

Your Port of Melbourne Contacts

General enquiries can be directed to corporateaffairs@portofmelbourne.com, or get in touch with our team:

Trade and Supply Chain

Mark Bergamasco

Head of Trade and Supply Chain

Mark.Bergamasco@portofmelbourne.com

+61 3 9683 1444

Planning

Andrew Varga

Head of Planning

Andrew.Varga@portofmelbourne.com

+61 3 9638 1443

Regulatory

Michael Black

Head of Regulation

Michael.Black@portofmelbourne.com

+61 438 394 274

Corporate Relations

Kellie Wilson

Stakeholder Engagement Lead (Regulatory)

Corporate Relations

Kellie.Wilson@portofmelbourne.com

+61 447 568 501

Disclaimer

This document has been prepared by Port of Melbourne Operations Pty Ltd (PoM) on behalf of the Port of Melbourne Group (PoM Group) for information only. PoM Group provides no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any statistics published, or as to the suitability of any information container in the document for any purpose. As such, PoM Group will not be liable to any third party using or relying on any information contained in this document for any purpose.

This document is subject to PoM copyright under Australian and international laws. All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be published, reproduced, adapted, communicated or transmitted in any form, in any retrieval system or media, by any means, in any jurisdiction, without the prior written permission of PoM.