The $190 million ‘on-dock’ rail project at Patrick Terminals – Sydney AutoStrad at Port Botany is entering its next progression phase of construction.
The on-dock’ rail project, undertaken in conjunction with NSW Ports, is expected to increase rail capacity at Patrick Terminals – Sydney AutoStrad from 250,000 TEU to 1 million TEU.
The company will shortly commence the installation and commissioning of three new automated rail mounted gantry (ARMG) cranes and changes to rail windows will take effect from next month.
Patrick Terminals stated that current rail volume will be maintained and rail windows will be optimised by consolidating and removing inefficient services from the schedule.
Michael Jovicic, CEO of Patrick Terminals said he is very pleased with the current progress of the project.
“This decision to minimise disruptions to rail services at Patrick Terminals is supported by NSW Ports and the NSW Government who are committed to a long-term plan of sustainable freight modes,” Jovicic said.
Patrick Terminals’ largest international shipping container terminal is based at Port Botany (PBT) on NSW Ports land at Brotherson Dock.
NSW Ports reports the investment in rail infrastructure will reduce the growth in truck movements around the port.
Patrick Terminals’ stated in a report last year that when fully operational, this investment will reduce truck-kilometres travelled in Sydney by at least 10 million per year.
Patrick’s agreement with NSW Ports will significantly increase the terminal’s rail capacity and enhance efficiency in container movements at the port that will in turn reduce the number of trucks required to visit the terminal.
Customers impacted by the changes to rail windows will be contacted by the dedicated Patrick Terminals rail team.
The first stage of the project, which includes four 300 metre sidings, is due to be completed by the end of the year.