Capacity increased at Fremantle Port

Dean Nalder
Minister for Transport; Finance

A $65.6 million State and Federal investment in three new infrastructure projects to enhance the Fremantle Ports container trade has significantly increased its efficiency and capacity. Transport Minister Dean Nalder recognised the importance of the three projects at North Quay at a ceremony marking the completion of infrastructure works.

The two rail projects are the extension of the North Quay Rail Terminal which reduces turnaround time for trains and achieves better interface with the container terminals, 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. 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.”

Fremantle Port is WA’s largest general cargo port, handling $28b in trade in 2013-14. The Inner Harbour handling nearly all of WA’s container trade, with 700,000 units in 2013-14.