Port of Melbourne to restore Swanson Dock West

Port of Melbourne has awarded a contract for Stage 1 of the Swanson Dock West remediation project.

Under the contract, construction company McConnell Dowell will complete Stage 1 of the Swanson Dock West Remediation Project, which includes the remediation and upgrade of the existing wharf structure.

The project comes as part of Port of Melbourne’s 2050 Port Development Strategy.

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“Swanson Dock West wharf structures must be remediated and upgraded to enable us to continue to handle container vessels for the next 50 years,” said Port of Melbourne CEO, Saul Cannon.

“The existing Swanson Dock West wharf is of varying ages and forms of construction. Sections of the wharf are close to or beyond the typical design life of 30 years and as a result, major remediation is needed.”

Swanson Dock West International Container Terminal currently has a three-berth operation.

Port of Melbourne’s three-stage programme has been developed to enable it to maintain a two-berth operation for the duration of the works.

The Port of Melbourne witnessed throughput increasing 15.6 per cent in October over last year, but predicts slowdown in cargo as freight rates normalise.

October 2022 saw a total container throughput (full and empty) of 295,149 TEU.