Port Development Strategy (VIC)

Helping build the capacity of Australia’s busiest port

Port of Melbourne Operations Pty Ltd (PoM) is Australia’s largest container and general cargo port, handling more than one-third of the nation’s container trade. As the regulated landlord manager of the port, PoM is responsible for the strategic planning, development and management of the port’s operations under a 50-year lease which commenced in 2016.

The 2050 Port Development Strategy outlines the high-level plans and approach for developing the capacity and efficiency of the Port for the next 30 years. It also provides the Port of Melbourne (PoM) a planning framework which is adaptable and responsive to changing needs over time.

Our role

MBB were engaged to advise the PoM executive and board for the market engagement process, market and comparator organisation benchmarking and analytics and development of the preferred delivery and implementation strategy and client model for the multi-bullion-dollar capital investment program.

The focus was on initially on the Swanson, Appleton and Victoria Dock enabling works and relocation project and new International Container Terminal project, with MBB subsequently assisting PoM on Web Dock East capital works contract.

Our services

The MBB team provided commercial and transaction advisory services for the strategy and capital procurement of the enabling works, the relocation project, the new International Container Terminal project, and the Webb Dock East capital works contract.

These projects had varying scope and included terminal upgrades, enabling rail access and upgrades, capacity and connectivity upgrades (container port and national freight network) and long lead steel piles from international markets. MBB successfully implemented recommendations from the ESC to streamline procurement to enable more prudent and efficient outcomes for PoM.