News / Australia's inefficient ports cost shippers A$605m per year, claims government

© Christine Bird |

Australia’s “underperforming” container ports are costing cargo owners A$605m per year, according to the government’s productivity commission.

The commission released its draft report on Lifting productivity at Australia’s container ports, today, after gathering input from maritime logistics stakeholders since December last year.

The report found higher productivity at Australia’s container ports was “achievable and would deliver significant benefits”.

It says: “Inefficiencies at Australia’s major container ports directly cost the Australian economy an estimated A$605m (US$413m) a year.

“Ports also have large indirect impacts on ...