Sydney Ports

With a population of approximately seven million people, NSW accounts for 33 percent of Australia’s consumer market. With 99 per cent of the nation’s international trade transported by sea it is no wonder Sydney’s ports are pivotal to the Australian, and more importantly NSW economy.

Sydney has two major Ports, Port Botany and Port Jackson. Trade through the twin ports is worth almost $50 billion. Approximately 85 per cent of containerised products are delivered within 40 kilometres of the ports; they are used by people from all parts of NSW, who rely on the ports for the delivery of goods and the export of product to overseas markets. Sydney’s ports contribute over $2.5 billion dollars to the NSW economy each year, and support 17,000 jobs.

Since the late 60’s globally there has been an increasing trend towards transporting commodities in containers. This trend was the impetus for the development of the container facilities at Port Botany in the 1970’s. Over the past two years container trade has grown over 25 per cent and in 2003/04 there was a record 1.27 million TEUs* handled through Sydney. When considering container trade alone, one container vessel visit generates, on average, over $1 million of economic activity including gross revenue earned by port related business.

Motor vehicles and bulk liquids and gases are sectors which also contribute significantly to the States healthy economy. In the last financial year there were over 250,000 motor vehicles imported through Sydney’s Glebe Island car terminal. Of the total number of motor vehicles imported to Australia, approximately one third are supplied through Sydney’s port. Activity associated with the transfer of bulk liquids and gases through facilities in Sydney, accounts for 22 per cent of the ports total economic contribution.

Port activity also provides an essential link to international business as NSW is reliant on overseas trade for the delivery of consumer goods. There are over 20 international shipping lines servicing Sydney’s ports all year round. This results in more than 200 sailings per month to and from over 100 overseas destinations. Sydney Ports Corporation continues to foster its relationships with international customers. Maintaining these relationships opens the door for future trade development opportunities which has a flow on effect to other business sectors in NSW.

As the population grows so will the demand for goods, hence it is important that Sydney’s ports continue to meet the needs of its people. As owners of the port Sydney Ports Corporation is charged with the responsibility of facilitating trade in the most sustainable way. As a result of this the Corporation is progressing its proposal to expand container terminal facilities at Port Botany to provide trade capacity to beyond 2025.

www.syneyports.com.au