Hutchison Ports Holdings, the third Australian stevedore, has begun operations in Brisbane.
The official opening of its Brisbane Container Terminals was performed by Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss late last week.
The new container terminal on reclaimed land on Fisherman’s Island in the Port of Brisbane is part of the Hutchison Port Holdings group, one of the largest port developers and operators in the world.
HPH Deputy Chairman, Dr John Meredith, said he saw BCT as a significant player in Australia’s developing trade and the HPH network that spans 52 countries.
“We intend to be here for the long haul and we intend to make a difference,” he said.
BCT Chief Executive, Dr Stephen Gumley, said that the new terminal’s strategic significance couldn't be underestimated.
“Brisbane Container Terminals is the first terminal operated by a third stevedore to service Australia’s important east coast container trade,” he said.
“This is a dramatic and positive change on the waterfront.
“Until now this market was the sole province of two companies. Now it is one in which three companies vie for shipping line business. This has to be good for shipping lines and their customers with greater value and better service.”
Gumley said that Brisbane Container Terminals would play an important role in maximising the success of third stevedore operators in Sydney and Melbourne.
“Stand-alone operators will face considerable challenges in this market because typically the incumbent stevedores have tended to package ports in their offer to shipping lines or offer discounts based on national volumes.
“HPH with its investments in Brisbane and Sydney’s Port Botany is already providing a two-port alternative and we are seeking to extend that to three east coast ports.”