The Port of Melbourne today launched its findings on its Container Logistics Supply Chain Study (CLCS) that maps out container movements to and from the port.

The report helps to fully understand trends in the location of imports and exports, growth areas and to inform transport planning, land use planning and community amenity considerations.

Brendan Bourke, CEO of Port of Melbourne said of the study; “this is a significant investment by Port of Melbourne, and we committed to the project because we recognise the need to provide an up to date picture on container movements along the supply chain across all of Victoria and interstate.”

This type of container tracking report hasn’t been undertaken since 2009, and the supply chain has experienced significant changes with dramatic disruptions such as COVID-19. Understanding how the supply chain really works is fundamental to being able to manage them efficiently and keep freight moving.

The biggest shift is that Melbourne’s western suburbs have grown in importance as a freight hub with a 41% increase in the last ten years of being the final destination of imported goods through the port.

From an export perspective, the report shows Warrnambool and Mildura as key drivers of Victorian exports through the port with an average of 5% each contributing to these figures with the South Western Corridor producing the most export containers in Victoria.

“It’s very clear that container volumes are growing, and consumers are importing more goods from overseas. The need for strategic transport planning to meet these increased freight needs is necessary across Metropolitan Melbourne and especially in the west where we see the key hub of Victoria’s supply chain growing.

“The report also points to continued growth of container movements in the west of Melbourne. The amenity of residents and port buffer zones separating industrial and residential locations are important considerations for industry and government alike.”

The report was developed by GHD Advisory, with support from the Victorian Department of Transport.

“We know that this study is a critical planning tool for everyone connected to the supply chain, and we hope it spurs new initiatives and investment,” said Mr Bourke.