With the rail link providing a connection between southern markets and the Asia Pacific region, business has been quick to establish itself in Darwin – Australia’s Asian Gateway.
Darwin’s port facilities have been expanded and modernised to world-class standard to cater for the expected boost in activity along the AustralAsia Trade Route.
Located a short drive from Darwin’s CBD, the only significant port on Australia’s north coast now has a 754-metre deep water berth with direct access to modern, intermodal freight-handling facilities. The port caters for Panamax Class and third generation container vessels, and has a terminal with a capacity to handle 250,000 TEU’s per year. Total cargo trade through East Arm jumped by 19% during 2004-2005 to 1.3 million mass tonnes.
The facility has been designed with expansion in mind, offering an initial 18 hectares of sealed hardstand, a 4000 m³ undercover cargo-handling facility and an additional 18 hectares for future reclamation.
The Territory Government has invested $200 million in the Port’s expansion, including $11 million for the recently completed bulk liquids wharf. Deliveries to the new $55 Million Darwin Industry Fuel Terminal located in the Darwin Business Park are transferred directly via 2.5km of pipelines from this wharf. Another $20 million is being spent on developing a dry bulk material export facility to service Territory mineral exports which it is estimated will result in the export of up to 2.5 million tonnes per annum.
The massive investment is already bearing fruit. In addition to Hai Win Shipping’s import service, links with Singapore have been strengthened; Swires Shipping operates directly to East Arm Port and is looking to expand operations in the near future. The port also has direct international shipping services with other major commercial centres in South East Asia. Regional shipping lines are currently assessing the viability of establishing additional direct services linking Darwin with Indonesia and Malaysia.
The Northern Territory has three major ports. Darwin, which has regular international and national shipping connections, is the main general cargo port, while Gove and Alyangula (Groote Eylandt) are major mining export ports.
For detailed specifications regarding East Arm Port, please telephone the Port of Darwin on +61 (8) 8922 0660 or visit on-line at www.darwinport.nt.gov.au.
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