New Container Charges at Port Adelaide From July 2018
Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal (FACT) announced yesterday that it would introduce additional container charges, effective as of 1 July 2018. The change comes as a response to a significant increase in land and infrastructure costs over the last few years. FACT states that it has engaged in discussions with industry related bodies including the South Australian Freight Council, Business SA and South Australian Road Transport Association and Container Terminal Monitoring Panel. FACT has also had direct communications with key parties involved, such as rail operators and major shipping container transport companies.
Range of Commodities Passing Through the Port
Port Adelaide handles a variety of imports and exports including grains and seeds, limestone, petroleum products, motor vehicles, metals and scrap metal, cement and cement clinker, fertilisers, agricultural commodities, iron-ore, iron and steel, break-bulk and general cargo, mineral sands, mineral concentrates and containers.
Modern and Well-Equipped Terminal
Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal is the only container terminal in South Australia and overall has 660 metres of quay length. It is a modern precinct, with a high focus on safety. Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal is a fundamental link between South Australia and international markets with seven direct shipping services. Its connection to the national railway network allows for interstate shipping container transport.
The container facility is well equipped with 3 post-panamax cranes, 22 straddle carriers and a selection of forklifts and reach stackers. A reach stacker is able to move containers over short distances very quickly and place them in various rows.
Operating the Container Terminal Since 2002
Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal began operations at the Container Terminal in 2002, not long after it acquired seven ports that had been privatised by the federal government. It has gone from employing 191 workers in its beginning to becoming a significant employer in the state today. Since then it has also seen a substantial rise in the costs associated with the onshore side of the business. FACT also wishes to ensure that it will remain in a position to make astute long-term investments.
Two New Weighbridges at the Container Terminal
One of the latest investments has been the construction of two weigh-in-motion weighbridges which records heavy vehicle axle weights. These have been set up to allow FACT to fulfil its responsibilities in ensuring that every container transport truck complies with National Heavy Vehicle Laws. FACT believes that the proposed fees will cover both of these costs, enabling it to continue operating as a viable business.
Break Down of New Container Charges
The proposed container fees are separated into two categories: an Infrastructure Levy and a Container Weighing Charge.
• A $28.50 Infrastructure Levy will be applied to each full container lift
• A $10.00 Container Weighing Charge will be applied to each full import container
No Increases Within the First Three Years
FACT assures that both of the above-mentioned charges will be capped for the first three years, to enable its customers to successfully integrate these into their business plans. FACT is actively communicating with the ACCC about the planned fees.