New Qube depot to streamline Darwin Port operations

A redesign at a key piece of Darwin infrastructure is expected to have an immediate impact on operations. Read what’s changing.

Darwin Port has responded to concerns around congestion and consignment delays by opening a new container yard at East Arm Wharf.

The port has leased the area to long term Darwin stevedoring operator Qube Ports to help build capacity across the site and streamline operations.

Since operations commenced last month, Qube has reported a 33 per cent increase in daily truck slot availability and a 35 per cent increase in daily container delivery rates.

Darwin Port chief executive Peter Dummett said the new container yard would also ensure cargo ships have access to increased capacity to more easily move cargo through the port. More importantly, he said stevedoring operations were now able to safely and efficiently conduct receipt and dispatch operations while simultaneously working a vessel.

Mr Dummett said prior to the opening of the new yard, it had to be one operation or the other, which was inefficient and led to delays.

Darwin Port’s new Qube container terminal

“We’re building efficiency and capacity now to ensure we can support growth into the future,” he said.

“We are getting busier with container operations and our expectation is that this trend will continue well into the future.

“This increase in capacity ensures we can keep pace with demand to keep goods moving efficiently for years to come.”

He said it would also mean there was additional space for empty container storage at East Arm, which would remove the need for double handling of containers that are now stored outside the port.

The measures have been welcomed by Darwin Port users who said it would remove the need for double handling.

Andrew Woods, a longtime port user and director of local transport operator Territory Logistics Company, praised the measure.

“The implementation of this initiative by Qube has significantly improved the flexibility and productivity of my business.” Mr Woods said.

Qube manager Scott Sims said the container yard would make a big difference to Darwin Port’s capacity, and substantially increase the company’s operational efficiency.

Darwin Port chief executive Peter Dummett. Picture: Fia Walsh

“It’s a game changer for our operation,” Mr Sims said.

“Since opening we’ve successfully worked a number of ships while conducting R & D operations.

“Most importantly it has more than halved the average clearance time in getting containers out to customers. We’d like to thank the team at Darwin Port for getting this up and running.”

Meanwhile, the updated Darwin Port master plan final draft has been completed, reviewed and sent back to consultants for finalisation, Mr Dummett said.

“The document will be finalised in coming days, and that’s really about looking well into the future on what developments we may need down at port and to prepare for some of the projects that will be discussed at the Future NT summit.

“The Beetaloo Basin project is certainly one of them, we’re working closely with the cotton industry to maximise the export of cotton containers through the port as that harvest is being undertaken at the moment.

“Also we’re looking at optimisation of the marine supply base access channel to potentially increase the vessel traffic through there and also looking at some shallow draft vessel berths that would complement that project as well. All projects will be driven by a business case at the appropriate time.”

For the fourth year, the NT News’ annual Future Northern Territory advocacy program returns this month.

Future NT 2025 is supported by major partners Tivan Limited, Charles Darwin University, Tamboran Resources, Santos, Darwin Port and NT Government, minor partners Airport Development Group and Sitzler and supporting partner Mindil Beach Casino Resort.

Tickets are on sale now for the Future NT 2025 economic forum, which will be held at Mindil Beach Casino Resort from 11.30am on Friday, July 18.

Originally published as New Qube depot to streamline Darwin Port operations