transport and logistics logo
HOME ABOUT CONTACT ADVERTISE THE INTERMEDIA GROUP FIND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Free ENews

EVENTS
DIESEL MAGAZINE ARTICLES
EDUCATION, CAREERS & PEOPLE
DATA CAPTURE, RFID & IT
ENVIRONMENT
GOVERNMENT & REGULATIONS
HOT PRODUCTS
MHD MAGAZINE ARTICLES
MATERIALS HANDLING
PROPERTIES FOR SALE & LEASE
PROPERTY NEWS
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS SERVICES
TRUCK & TRAILER EQUIPMENT
WAREHOUSE/DC EQUIPMENT
INDUSTRY GROUPS
NEW / USED TRUCK & TRAILER
FREE E-NEWS
ADVERTISE
ARCHIVE SEARCH
Advanced Search

 

Rail containers and intermodal terminals: Sydney Ports' response


Lachlan Benson
 
Total container trade through Port Botany increased 8% to reach a record 1.928 million TEU in the financial year to 30 June 2010, largely driven by strong imports. Rail volumes at Port Botany have traditionally been export driven and have continued to increase in recent years.
 
Exports from regional NSW contributed to the 9th consecutive year of growth for Port Botany as full container exports for financial year 2009/10 reached a new record of 442,600 TEU. However, the majority growth in port throughput in 2009/10 has been driven by imports, up 8.6 percent, supported by the strong Australian dollar. 
 
As trade grew 0.3 per cent in the GFC-impacted 2008/09 year, the rail throughput figure was 305,000 TEU representing a 19.8% mode share for rail. 
 
In 2009/10 trade grew 8 per cent, rail volumes increased to 317,000 TEU, a record year. However, the overall 2009/10 mode share declined to 18.8% as rail volumes were impacted substantially by a range of external factors that are addressed below.
 
The previous 12 months had been characterised by unprecedented volatility in global financial markets. Negative influences on rail have included a high Australian dollar dampening the growth in key rail-transported export commodities.
 
There was also an unusually high number of operational incidents affecting rail utilisation to and from the port over the 2009/10 period, which resulted in significant volume intended for rail ultimately going by road. This moreover affected the marketability of rail over road during significant periods such as the 2009 October –December Christmas peak season. Incidents have included:
  • Lower and inconsistent terminal loading productivity at the Patrick Terminal associated with well-documented issues with their rail-mounted gantries.
  • Changes to shipping line contracts between terminals resulting in shifting rail demand and operational problems at the port interface.
  • A significant number of line closures due to maintenance and weather events at critical times.
In addition, towards the end of 2009/10 financial year, Patrick’s closure of its Camellia site and exit from the market of its vertically integrated rail operator Patrick Port Link has had a significant short-term impact on rail, which other terminals such as Yennora are aiming to capture for rail.
 
Sydney Ports Corporation, through the Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy (PBLIS), is adopting key initiatives such as the development of an Operational Performance Management (OPM) regime for rail through the Sydney Ports, led Port Botany Rail Team.
 
A supply chain improvement plan, including a Botany-Enfield corridor strategy and protocol for aligning rail paths to stevedore windows are amongst other key programs that Sydney Ports is driving to improve the efficiency of the rail system servicing the port. The Port Botany Rail Team is focussing on improving the number of back-loaded imports to maximise rail utilisation and mode share.
 
The completion of a network of intermodal terminals at Enfield, Moorebank and potentially Eastern Creek, together with the Southern Sydney Freight Line, will assist towards the NSW Government’s long-term target of achieving 40 per cent of freight by rail to and from Port Botany.
 
These projects will be included in a NSW Freight Strategy to be released in late 2010.
 
Numerous infrastructure improvements over the next few years will also substantially increase capacity for rail to grow in the Port Botany supply chain. Current projects include:
  • The ARTC’s Southern Sydney Freight Line, Metropolitan Freight Network take-up, Botany Yard Works and Enfield Staging Roads.
  • Macarthur Intermodal Shipping Terminal extension to 650m rail sidings and new rail business.
  • Additional stevedore rail connections and ability to handle 650m trains off the network.
  • Sydney Ports Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre and grade separation works at the port.
  • Additional intermodal terminal capacity projects planned, i.e. Moorebank and Western IMT.
Lachlan Benson is the executive general manager, industry relations and logistics, at Sydney Ports Corporation.

1,904

  HOT PRODUCTS

 

Toyota Material Handling Australia

Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) is poised to launch a new range of 1.5 to 3 tonne rated capacity at 500mm load centre four-wheel counter-balance battery electric forklifts.  more»

 

Internal Combustion Pneumatic Tyres Forklifts - 4.0 - 5.5 Tonnes

Mitsubishi GRENDIA Series Forklift, the Next generation, higher performance machine Outstanding performance...exceptional value for money.  more»

 

Involved in Logistics or Supply Chain Management?

If you are involved in logistics or supply chain management, and looking to advance your career, this internationally recognised qualification can provide you with the relevant skills for your future.  more»

 

Future Proof your Logistics Career Today

What does the future hold?  more»

 

Exquisitely Orchestrated Execution

Infor10 Supply Chain Execution – a single solution with one version of the truth so that everyone is moving in the same direction at the same time.  more»

 

Oracle Live Webcast: Effective HR in Manufacturing

Turn Strategy into Action in Manufacturing with Effective HR  more»

 

2012 National Challenge - Start Date: 16th APRIL, 2012

The Fresh Connection is an advanced web-based business simulation that challenges participants to work together as a team to demonstrate and improve their knowledge of the Value Chain.  more»

 

100% Error-Free Picking with KiSoft Vision

KiSoft Vision combined with the corresponding processes, ensures 100% error-free order picking. By using augmented reality technology KiSoft Vision visualizes information at the exact time and location the operator needs it, through a head mounted display  more»

Click here to view more Hot Products

Looking for a particular product?   Advanced Search.

  T&L PUBLICATIONS

MHD Supply Chain Solutions
Has been the industry leader for more than 30 years. It is the reference guide for professionals striving for effective end-to-end supply chain management...

Diesel
A bi-monthly magazine that has shaken up the Australian road transport magazine sector with sharp news stories and bold feature articles on the diverse character of the Australian trucking market...
 

 
VISIT INTERMEDIA SITES
 


 
 
The Intermedia Group (TIG) is a leading Australian B2B publishing, event management and technology business providing the most comprehensive and targeted B2B advertising network in Australia.

TIG's brands are a leading source of vital information for Australian and New Zealand businesses within the following 12 vertical markets: Beauty, Construction, Electronics, Entertainment, Government, Health, Homewares, Hospitality, Interior Design, Logistics, Motoring, Procurement, Retail, Recreation and Technology
Intermedia Websites
© The Intermedia Group. www.intermedia.com.au Privacy & Copyright