The Port of Melbourne has boosted its capability with the completion of the Webb Dock East Extension project.
The multi-million dollar project involved demolishing a redundant section of concrete – ‘the knuckle’ – and extending the quay line by 71 metres.
Already Australia’s largest container and general cargo port, traffic at the Port of Melbourne continues to grow.
Removing the knuckle will reduce port congestion, improve efficiency and allow larger ships to offload as well as restoring the intended design capacity of the area to a two-berth operation the Port said in an online statement.
Webb Dock East is Australia’s first fully automated container terminal and is operated by Victoria International Container Terminal Limited (VICT).
The recently completed project will allow VICT to commission its two new neo-panamax Ship to Shore Cranes – the largest in Australia.
“The Port of Melbourne is proud to invest in the port, ensuring we meet the trade needs of our growing population and economy,” it said in a statement.
In the lead up to Christmas, the Port suffered greater than usual congestion following the industrial relations dispute between the CFMMEU (Maritime Union of Australia division) and DP World.