PATRICK Terminals has amplified the Port of Melbourne’s recent Port Rail Shuttle Network (PRSN) Start-up Incentive by waiving its own Exchange Transfer Charge (ETC) for a period of two years.
Effective 1 March, Patrick will not levy the ETC for eligible import and export containers moved by rail to/from Patrick PortRail Melbourne, in a move it says reinforcing its commitment to improving supply chain efficiency and increasing rail freight uptake at the port.
Patrick says the initiative complements Port of Melbourne’s PRSN plan, under which a subsidy of $100 per TEU and $200 per FEU would apply to import containers railed from the port to the Intermodal Terminal Company’s Melbourne Intermodal Terminal at Somerton.
Registrations of Interest closed on 6 February with more than 30 applicants, the Port of Melbourne said.
“We were pleased with both the quality and the quantity of respondents and are working with ITC and respondents will now work with ITC on next steps,” a spokesperson told DCN.
Patrick’s temporary concession offer also applies to containers originating from or terminating at SCT Altona and Salta Dandenong
CEO Michael Jovicic said the initiative demonstrates Patrick’s ongoing focus on practical, customer-focused solutions that improve the performance of Australia’s supply chains.
“Rail plays a critical role in reducing congestion, improving reliability and supporting long-term efficiency. This arrangement helps remove barriers to the transition to rail use and provides tangible support for importers and exporters who choose rail.”
The announcement aligns with Patrick’s long-standing investment in rail infrastructure to support higher rail volumes that provide more sustainable freight alternatives for Australia’s importers and exporters.
The company said it will continue to work collaboratively with the Port of Melbourne, rail operators and intermodal partners to support rail growth and deliver more resilient, efficient freight outcomes for Victorian businesses and consumers.