A WAVE of projects at Port Botany is expected to see permanent empty container storage capacity increase by more than 16,500 TEU.

The construction of a new empty container park announced last week, along with four other projects aimed at improving empty container storage are expected to lift Sydney’s current empty container capacity by 26%.

The Medlog container park will be constructed with a 6000 TEU capacity, but NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas said there are more projects in the pipeline.

“This is one of several measures that NSW Ports and our partners are delivering at Port Botany to enhance the capacity and productivity of the state’s supply chains,” Ms Calfas said.

She said DP World Logistics recently demolished two warehouses on the site adjoining their container terminal to deliver new empty container storage capacity.

“ACFS Port Logistics will take similar steps to increase the capacity of its empty depot facilities at Port Botany via consolidation of the e-depot sites, removal of two warehouses and site access enhancements to improve truck flows.

“Separately, planning approval has been granted by the NSW Government for increased empty container stacking heights across Port Botany, adding additional storage capacity.”

Ms Calfas said, more broadly, NSW Ports’ Empty Container Incentive Scheme has helped reduce the build-up of empty container and truck queues at Port Botany.

She said it has encouraged a more balanced, two-way vessel loading of both full and empty containers.

“Together, these developments will ensure NSW Ports and our partners continue to meet the state’s growing trade needs, while delivering an efficient and sustainable service to businesses and consumers.”