New Port Botany Container Terminal Operational

Sydney International Container Terminals has said that the official opening of its new container terminal at Port Botany by New South Wales’ Premier Mike Baird marks the start of a major transformation of the State’s maritime international trade.

The new container terminal sits on 45 ha of reclaimed land just across from Sydney Airport and employs a high degree of automation and smart technologies.

SICTL Chief Executive Officer, Dr Stephen Gumley, said the terminal is a significant piece of freight infrastructure and a new competitor to the port to service New South Wales’ international containerised trade.

Speaking at the opening, Dr Gumley said: “This development is a landmark in development of New South Wales’ maritime trade. We are part of Hutchison Port Holdings Limited a world leader in port development and operation. We bring that know-how, experience and competitive zeal to New South Wales.

Port Botany will continue to be an important international gateway for many years to come. Sydney International Container Terminal is part of that future and will make a significant contribution to the Port’s development and New South Wales’ international trade.

Sydney International Container Terminals is the first company to bring new competition to Port Botany, one of Australia’s most important international gateway. The competition, choice and capacity we bring to the Port is delivering benefits for New South Wales’ exporters and importers, and the broader economy.”

Phase 1 of the terminal is now complete. It has added two additional 300 metre ship berths, 15 truck-loading bays, two 300 metre rail sidings and it has increased the port’s annual handling capacity by more than 250,000 TEU. Phase 2 work has already started. It is expected to nearly double the throughput capacity of SICTL by mid-2015.