Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), the only fully-automated container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere, said it completed an expansion project that further solidified its position as lead container terminal in Australia.
“This additional investment redefines the Port of Melbourne’s landscape, setting new standards for operational efficiency and capacity. VICT can now accommodate the largest container vessels calling Australia – the neo-Panamax giants – solidifying the Port of Melbourne’s position as Australia’s number one container port,” Enrique K. Razon Jr., ICTSI chairman and president, said:
With the expansion, supersized ships can now sail directly into Port Phillip and dock at VICT – the only terminal in Melbourne capable of receiving them. This translates to faster turnaround times, improved efficiency, and ultimately, a competitive edge for Australian businesses.
The AUD235 million (P8.5 billion) project is being carried out in two phases. Phase 3A, completed in December 2023, increased the terminal’s capacity by 30 percent to 1.25 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU).
It extends the quay by 71 meters to 735 meters or 769 meters with the mooring dolphins included, and will enhance VICT’s quayside operations by allowing two 366-meter vessels to berth side-by-side.
On the land side, three new storage blocks have been added along with 15 new truck lanes, enhancing the terminal’s booking system time slot offerings to the market by up to 30 percent per hour starting in January 2024.
VICT also acquired two automated ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, six auto container carriers (ACC) and six auto stacking cranes (ASC) as part of Phase 3A. The ASCs have been operational since December 2023, supporting the increased yard capacity. The STS cranes, which have a reach of 22 containers across and currently the largest port equipment in Australia, arrived in the third quarter and now operational.
Phase 3B is scheduled to be completed in 2026 and will include the acquisition of another automated STS crane, three ACCs, four ASCs, and construction of two additional storage blocks.
VICT’s investments in infrastructure, equipment, and workforce up skilling are strategically designed to support anticipated growth. This proactive approach will ensure optimal management of expanded operations.
