Burnie, Australia

Port Overview

Burnie is located on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Australia, fronting Emu Bay and approximately 325 kilometers northwest of Hobart. It is Tasmania’s largest general cargo port and the fourth largest city on the island. Strategically, Burnie is the closest Tasmanian port to mainland Australia, serving as a key export hub for the state’s forestry, mining, and agricultural industries. The port handles over five million tonnes of freight annually, including more than 50% of Tasmania’s containerized cargo, with an annual TEU capacity of around 250,000.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Burnie, Tasmania’s largest general cargo port, features multiple terminals including a dedicated container terminal with a 100,000 TEU annual capacity, a bulk cargo terminal for agricultural products, and a specialized woodchip export facility. The port offers modern cargo handling equipment such as container cranes, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ramps, and refrigerated container storage. Integrated storage covers 15 hectares. While Burnie is upgrading infrastructure, there is no current deployment of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles).

Container Terminals

Burnie, Australia’s container terminal has four berths, with a dedicated container terminal offering an annual capacity of up to 200,000 TEU. The terminal is semi-automated, featuring modern cargo handling equipment and integration with rail. Major operators include DP World Australia and Toll Group, with DP World investing in upgraded ship-to-shore cranes and expanded reefer capacity. The facility supports both domestic and international container shipping.

Port Services

• Container handling: Dedicated container terminal with capacity for both import and export, including refrigerated containers.
• Cargo operations: Facilities for bulk, breakbulk, project cargo, timber, forestry products, vehicles (RoRo), and general freight.
• Ship services: Pilotage, bunkering (fuel supply), fresh water, waste management, vessel traffic management, and emergency response.
• Warehousing: Integrated storage facilities and warehousing for various cargo types.
• Customs: On-site customs clearance and efficient border processing for international shipments.

Global Connectivity

Burnie, Tasmania’s largest general cargo port, offers direct shipping connections to major Australian ports, especially Melbourne, and serves as a key export gateway for the state’s agricultural, forestry, and manufactured goods. The port’s modern facilities and intermodal links support efficient freight movement across Tasmania’s northwest and to mainland Australia. Regular shipping routes connect Burnie to national and international markets via Bass Strait, underpinning its strategic role in regional and global supply chains.

Port Statistics

Port of Burnie, Australia – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU Throughput: 131,873 TEU (YTD FY2025)
• World Ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top container ports
• Number of Berths: Multiple berths, total berth length approximately 600 meters
• Port Area: 15 hectares of integrated storage and terminal facilities
• Shipping Lines: Serviced by Strait Link and other regional/international operators

Burnie is Tasmania’s largest cargo port, handling a diverse mix of forestry, fuels, general cargo, and minerals.