ICHCA guests hear about air freight and Adelaide box port

ICHCA South Australia recently held a successful industry event at the Lakes Resort Hotel in Adelaide, which was attended by more than 45 guests from the freight and logistics industry.

ICHCA chair Scott McKay welcomed everybody and provided a short summary of what ICHCA is and what it does about the safe and efficient handling of cargo.

The keynote speakers were Jonathan Cheong’ head of aviation business development and commercial Adelaide Airport and Trent Kolbig, general manager, Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal (FACT), providing an overview of both air and container freight developments in SA.

Jonathan Cheong gave an overview of the latest developments at Adelaide Airport and the challenges to keep and attract new business in the current climate where airlines are very cognisant of the potential shortages of aviation fuel.

Several airlines have returned to call at Adelaide Airport after COVID-19, or will return soon, providing passenger services to Adelaide.

International passenger traffic has seen the largest increase. Airfreight is also said to be “doing well” with nearly 25,000 tonnes shipped in 2025 with a value of $2.3 billion. The main export markets are North and SE Asia as well as the US.

Trent Kolbig explained the proposed changes to the Flinders Ports container terminal and the adjacent logistics precinct to be ready for larger vessels and increased container throughput in the future.

A berth extension is currently underway and two new quay cranes have been ordered with increased outreach and height which will be able to discharge and load containers on any size container vessel that may arrive in the port of Adelaide in the future.

The container terminal will get a new operating system where automated rubber tyred gantry cranes will service the yard. There will be a new terminal gate facility and an expansion of the empty depot. FPH is also processing further development at landholdings at Outer Harbor adjacent to the container terminal.

The total project represents an investment of about $300m.

After an opportunity for some questions, Scott thanked Jonathan and Trent for their insightful presentations and guests enjoyed a two-course lunch with plenty of opportunity for networking whilst enjoying the surrounds of the Lakes Resort Hotel.