Fremantle Ports Increase Capacity
A $65.6m state and Federal investment in three new infrastructure projects to service Fremantle Ports’ container trade has significantly increased efficiency and capacity, according to WA transport minister Dean Nalder. Mr Nalder recognised the importance of the three projects at North Quay, at an event to mark their completion. Along with the acting Prime Minister Warren Truss – who is also minister for infrastructure & regional development – Mr Nalder officially opened reclaimed land at Rous Head and the extension of the North Quay.
Two rail projects have been jointly funded by the State and Federal governments at a total cost of $38.4m.
These are the extension of the North Quay Rail Terminal servicing Western Australia’s container trade and the construction of a crossing loop at Spearwood that enables freight trains to pass on the rail line that connects the port with the Kewdale/Forrestfield area.
The third recently completed project is Fremantle Ports’ $27.2m development of roads and services on land reclaimed at Rous Head as a result of the 2010 harbour deepening.
Industrial leases on this new land are now being developed by the private sector.
Mr Nalder said efficient freight rail links were essential components of effective supply chains.
“Making rail more efficient increases its competitiveness and the state government is committed to investing in rail projects to service current needs and to provide additional capacity for growth,” he said.
“Extension of the North Quay Rail Terminal from 400 to 690 metres reduces turnaround time for trains and achieves better interface with the container terminals.
“The crossing loop constructed at Spearwood, south of Fremantle, also increases efficiency and capacity by accommodating more freight train movements during the day and minimising service delays.
“The rail projects will help reduce reliance on heavy road freight vehicles by using rail more efficiently to move goods around the Perth metropolitan area, particularly between inland hubs and Fremantle Port,” Mr Nalder said.
In 2013/14, rail carried the equivalent of nearly 100,000 standard containers, which equated to a rail market share of 14% for Fremantle Port’s container trade. This compares with about 2% in 2002.
Fremantle Ports handled $28.4bn in trade in 2013/14 resulting in an after-tax profit of $37.9m. The inner harbour handles almost all of WA’s container trade with just over 700,000 teu in 2013/14.
