Project Profile: Port Rail Transformation Project (PRTP), Melbourne

The Port Rail Transformation Project (PRTP) is a critical infrastructure initiative that has modernized rail freight operations at the Port of Melbourne, Australia’s busiest container port. By establishing a new on-dock terminal and standardizing network access, the project significantly increases rail’s freight-handling capacity, directly reducing road congestion and enhancing supply chain efficiency for Victoria and the national economy.

Technical Specifications

The core of the PRTP is the new on-dock rail terminal at Swanson Dock East. This facility features two 600-metre parallel rail tracks, directly adjacent to the container terminals, enabling the handling of trains with a capacity of up to 84 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). The design significantly reduces container handling times by eliminating the need for last-mile truck journeys within the port precinct. Associated network upgrades included the enhancement of sidings and connections to accommodate 1,500-metre interstate trains, capable of carrying up to 200 TEUs. Integration with the local road network, particularly around Coode Road, was also a key component, ensuring seamless flow for both rail and remaining road traffic and improving overall precinct logistics.

Key Takeaways

• Alleviates Urban Congestion: By creating a direct rail path to the dock, the PRTP substantially reduces the number of truck movements on Melbourne’s arterial roads, mitigating traffic, noise, and road maintenance costs.
• Boosts Supply Chain Efficiency: The ability to handle longer and heavier trains lowers per-container transport costs and improves the reliability of freight movements for both metropolitan intermodal terminals and long-haul interstate services.
• Standardizes Port Access: The project implemented a uniform commercial and operational framework across all port rail terminals, fostering greater competition and providing operational certainty for freight and rail companies like Qube and ACFS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main purpose of the Port Rail Transformation Project?

The primary purpose of the Port Rail Transformation Project was to increase the volume of shipping containers moved by rail at the Port of Melbourne. This was achieved by building a new on-dock rail terminal and upgrading infrastructure to reduce reliance on trucks, thereby easing road congestion and improving environmental outcomes.

Who operates services at the new Port of Melbourne rail terminal?

Key rail operators, including ACFS Port Logistics and Qube Holdings, utilize the new infrastructure. The project implemented standardized access arrangements to encourage competition and efficient operations among all freight partners using the Port of Melbourne’s rail network.