Upgrades for South Australian container terminal

  • Posted by Allen Newton
  • |
  • 4, July, 2025

FLINDERS Adelaide Container Terminal (FACT) is set for a more than $350 million makeover. 

Flinders Port Holdings (FPH) in its annual review said the terminal was set to undergo a significant transformation aimed at enhancing its operational capacity and efficiency. 

The works will take place over the next three years. 

 FACT general manager Trent Kolbig said it had been the only container terminal in South Australia since it was opened in 1978. 

Upgrades will include the addition of two additional Super Post Panamax Ship to Shore (STS) Cranes, upgrades to IT systems including the Terminal Operating System (TOS), Depot Operating System (DOS) and Vehicle Booking System (VBS). 

New terminal access and egress will include upgraded gate technology, and the Empty Container Depot will be expanded by developing adjacent land. 

The Empty Container Depot will double its capacity increasing both full and empty reefer capacity to more than 100 reefer points.  

Mr Kolbig said this enhancement will benefit shipping lines, transport companies and South Australian importers and exporters.  

Early civil works have started onsite with the land available for the expansion by early 2026.  

The expansion of the Empty Container Depot supports the increased capacity of FACT which Mr Kolbig said would benefit South Australia by improving access to more global markets and making the state more competitive. 

Also included in the refurbishment will be new sitewide services, pavements and hardstands, berth extension and remediation. 

The terminal will undertake proof of concept for an Auto Rubber Tyred Gantry, increasing capacity. 

The two additional Super Post Panamax STS Cranes, plus the 135-metre extension to Berth 6, will enable FACT to service two 366-meter vessels simultaneously.  

“This increased capacity will instil confidence for our shipping line customers and highlight that new services and larger vessels will be serviced productively,” Mr Kolbig said. 

FPH has engaged McConnell Dowell in an early contractor involvement delivery model for the berth extension and additional remediation.  

Onsite work is due to start on Berth 6 in quarter 3 this year with completion expected in late 2026. 

Delivery of the STS Cranes is anticipated early in 2027.  

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