Fremantle Port capacity increased
A $65.6 million State and Federal investment in three new infrastructure projects to service Fremantle Ports’ container trade has significantly increased its efficiency and capacity.
Transport Minister Dean Nalder today recognised the importance of the three projects at North Quay, marking the completion of infrastructure works.
Two rail projects have been jointly funded by the State and Federal governments at a total cost of $38.4 million.
These are the extension of the North Quay Rail Terminal servicing Western Australia’s container trade, and the construction of a crossing loop at Spearwood that enables freight trains to pass on the rail line that connects the port with the Kewdale/Forrestfield area.
The third recently completed project is Fremantle Ports’ $27.2 million development of roads and services on land reclaimed at Rous Head as a result of the 2010 harbour deepening. Industrial leases on this new land are now being developed by the private sector.
Mr Nalder said efficient freight rail links were essential components of effective supply chains.
“Making rail more efficient increases its competitiveness and the State Government is committed to investing in rail projects to service current needs and to provide additional capacity for growth,” he said.
“Extension of the North Quay Rail Terminal from 400 to 690 metres reduces turnaround time for trains and achieves better interface with the container terminals.
“The crossing loop constructed at Spearwood, south of Fremantle, also increases efficiency and capacity by accommodating more freight train movements during the day and minimising service delays.
“The rail projects will help reduce reliance on heavy road freight vehicles by using rail more efficiently to move goods around the Perth metropolitan area, particularly between inland hubs and Fremantle Port.”
Fact File
- Fremantle Port is WA’s largest general cargo port, handling $28b in trade in 2013-14
- The Inner Harbour handles almost all of WA’s container trade – 700,000 units in 2013-14
- In 2013-14, rail carried the equivalent of nearly 100,000 standard containers, which equated to a rail market share of 14% for Fremantle Port’s container trade. This compares with about two per cent in 2002
Source: News Release, Hon Dean Nalder, 10 November, 2014