Port of Melbourne awards key contracts as part of rail upgrade

The Port of Melbourne has continued its Port Rail Transformation Project (PRTP) by awarding two main contracts for the development of new freight infrastructure.

In a statement, the Port said it had awarded development contracts to WSP and Seymour Whyte Construction. The upgrade will include a new rail terminal interfacing with the container terminal at Swanson Dock East.

WSP will provide the design consultancy services and Seymore Whyte Constructions the early contractor involvement.

The Port Rail Transformation Project is an investment by the Port of Melbourne of more than $125m for the total project and provides a new operating environment and infrastructure to help move more freight off trucks and onto rail and to make our regional rail supply chains more efficient.

Site investigations will be underway in March 2021 with construction planned to commence in July. The project is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2023.

Port of Melbourne CEO, Brendan Bourke, said despite the challenges of COVID-19, the port is committed to its 30-year development strategy, including investing in rail. “Our 30-year Port Development Strategy provides a clear plan to meet and enable sustainable trade growth over the long term. The PRTP is an important part of this plan.

“As Australia’s largest container and general cargo port, it’s critical that we maintain a long-term investment view so that we continue to meet the freight needs of Victoria and south east Australia. We are excited to be working with WSP and Seymour Whyte Constructions on the development of the PRTP,” he said.

In October 2020, Port of Melbourne and Patrick Terminals reached an agreement to build the Coode Road Terminal. Patrick Terminals CEO, Michael Jovicic said “I am pleased to confirm Patrick’s continued investment in port rail capacity.

“Our contribution to the Port Rail Transformation Project will help drive more efficient movement of rail volumes in line with broader policy to support modal shift.”

https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-awards-key-contracts-as-part-of-rail-upgrade/