Winning contractor announced for new Webb Dock Automotive Terminal

Victoria’s government has confirmed that the Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) subsidiary MIRRAT has won the contract to develop and operate Melbourne’s new Webb Dock West automotive terminal.

MIRRAT – Melbourne International Ro-Ro Automotive Terminal – is part of the WWL Terminal Holdings group, which operates 14 ro-ro/vehicle facilities worldwide.

The decision had effectively been leaked earlier by the Maritime Union of Australia, which claims the Port of Melbourne Corporation’s selection of MIRRAT will lead to substantial job losses at the unsuccessful bidder and incumbent terminal operator, the Qube/Asciano joint venture Australian Amalgamated Terminals (AAT).

Ports Minister, David Hodgett, said the announcement followed an 18-month competitive bidding process.

“The Port of Melbourne is the nation’s largest automotive terminal, handling more vehicles than the ports of Fremantle, Adelaide and Brisbane combined,” Mr Hodgett said.

“The bid lodged by MIRRAT offered a competitive, value-for-money solution that ensures the port will continue to evolve and retain its crown as the nation’s leader. “Last year the port handled more than 370,000 vehicles.  This new facility provides the capacity to meet forecast demand, with the port set to handle 600,000 cars in 2025 rising to 1m vehicles in 2040,” he said.

Photo by Port of San Diego