THE PORT of Melbourne is testing the waters, so to speak, to assess support for a possible incentive for importers to use the Port Rail Shuttle Network to shift containers from the port to the Intermodal Terminal Company’s Melbourne Intermodal Terminal (MIT) at Somerton.
The program would be aimed at supporting base load import volumes during the MIT’s start-up phase, and support timely take up of rail services now that the MIT is operational, PoM says.
The current proposal contemplates an offer of $100 per TEU and $200 per FEU for import containers moved by rail from the port to MIT.
Any incentive would be subject to time and volume limitations.
The call for registrations of interest for the potential start-up incentive for importers considering contracting rail volumes to MIT Somerton is effective immediately and will extend until 6 February 2026. Further discussionswith respondents will allow preferred recipients to be identified and terms of any arrangements to be formalised, PoM says.
Registrations can be made at Port Rail Shuttle Network (PRSN) Incentive Program - Registration of Interest.
“PoM continues to work with all parts of the supply chain to improve mode shift as the Port Rail ShuttleNetwork becomes operational,” a spokesperson said.
Today’s announcement comes ahead of the official launch of National Intermodal’s Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, which is focused on servicing Inland Rail/interstate traffic, rather than port links.