Melbourne, Australia

Port Overview

Melbourne, Australia, is strategically located at the mouth of the Yarra River, serving as a critical hub for domestic and international trade. It is the largest container and general cargo port in Australia, handling approximately 36% of the nation's container traffic. The port's strategic importance lies in its connection to major global markets, particularly in Asia and the Americas. Annually, it handles over 2.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), with a capacity that continues to grow, supporting significant economic activity across southeastern Australia.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Melbourne is Australia’s largest container and general cargo port, handling over one-third of the nation’s container trade. Its main facilities include three international container terminals—Swanson Dock East & West and Webb Dock East—plus a major automotive terminal and multipurpose/bulk terminals for diverse cargo types. The port features over 30 commercial berths, advanced automated cranes, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for efficient container handling. Extensive warehousing, dual-gauge rail connections, and a large logistics precinct support high throughput and seamless intermodal transfers.

Container Terminals

Melbourne’s container terminals include Swanson Dock East and West (each with 4 berths) and Webb Dock East, totaling 9 container berths. The port handles over 3 million TEU annually. Automation is advanced at Webb Dock East, operated by Victoria International Container Terminal, while Swanson Dock terminals use conventional operations. Major operators are DP World (Swanson Dock West), Patrick (Swanson Dock East), and VICT (Webb Dock East).

Port Services

• Container handling: Advanced terminals for loading, unloading, and storage of containers.
• Cargo operations: Bulk, breakbulk, automotive, and general cargo services.
• Ship services: Pilotage, towage, bunkering, and ship repair facilities.
• Warehousing: On-site and off-site warehousing, distribution, and storage solutions.
• Customs: Customs clearance, documentation, and border control support.

Global Connectivity

Melbourne is Australia’s largest and best-connected container port, handling over one-third of the nation’s container trade. Strategically located at the mouth of the Yarra River, it offers direct access to major domestic and international shipping routes, serving as a vital gateway for Victoria, southern New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania. The port’s advanced intermodal links—road, rail, and on-dock terminals—ensure efficient cargo movement to Asia-Pacific markets, North America, Europe, and beyond, underpinning Melbourne’s role as a key hub in global supply chains.

Port Statistics

Port of Melbourne – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU throughput: 3.39 million TEU (FY25), Australia’s largest container port
• World ranking: Top 50 globally by container volume
• Number of berths: 34 commercial berths
• Port area: Approximately 510 hectares
• Shipping lines: Serviced by all major global container shipping lines, including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO, and Hapag-Lloyd