Shipping Australia (SAL) has welcomed the announcement of Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) as a new stevedoring operator for the third terminal under construction at Port Botany.
"Given that there has been congestion at Port Botany container terminals, especially one terminal, during this peak season (August to December) indicates that available capacity is being tested," said SAL chief executive, Llew Russell. "While HPH will not be operating until the end of 2012, it could well provide a much needed increase in capacity."
HPH has already been selected to operate two new berths at Fisherman Islands in 2011 and 2012.
Russell added that the Victorian government is giving serious consideration to the development of a new container terminal at Webb Dock by around 2013, subject to the necessary approvals being received.
