Toll commits AU$311 million to boost intra-Australian trade

Toll’s AU$311 million (US$230 million) investment to boost Bass Strait trade is well underway, in a project that will see shipping capacity increase significantly between mainland Australia and Tasmania, supporting economic growth and rising demand for local produce.

The investment includes AU$170 million to build two new ships and AU$141 million to upgrade terminals, wharves and berthing facilities in Melbourne and Burnie.

Toll’s said its new ships and facility upgrades will provide more capacity to transport goods, delivering 40 per cent more capacity for containers and trailers, with later cut-off times and earlier receivals.

Toll will also experience increase capability and capacity to handle refrigerated freight and faster turnaround times for customers due to terminal upgrades at McGaw Wharf and Webb Dock.

The new, 700TEU purpose-built ships will commence operations on March 1, 2019. They will replace Toll’s existing ships, and continue to operate overnight services on a six-day per week schedule.

Works to update the wharves have commenced at Webb Dock in Melbourne. They are scheduled to begin in Burnie later this month.


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