The recent Drinks Association Supply Chain Forum included a highly successful tour of the Port of Brisbane, coordinated and hosted by Anthony Byrnes, CEO of Harders Global Logistics, together with James Wardle, Trade Development Manager at Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd.
The tour provided attendees with valuable insight into the current and future development plans shaping one of Australia’s most important trade gateways, including significant infrastructure investment programs designed to support long-term supply chain growth and efficiency.
As part of the discussions throughout the tour, Anthony Byrnes provided a detailed overview of the critical role freight forwarders play in maintaining efficient cargo flows through Australian ports. This included coordinating import and export clearances, managing the lodgement of sea cargo reports, arranging container transport and aligning truck bookings with wharf availability windows to ensure the steady movement of containers in and out of the terminal network.
Attendees also gained insight into the level of coordination required between shipping lines, freight forwarders, transport operators, customs authorities and terminal operators to minimise delays and maintain supply chain continuity.
A major focus of discussion during the tour was the Port of Brisbane’s Channel Enhancement Project and broader Future Port Expansion plans. These projects are being driven by the increasing size of international container vessels and the growing demand for additional trade capacity across Queensland.
The Port of Brisbane outlined plans to widen and deepen sections of the existing shipping channel to safely accommodate larger and deeper-draft vessels entering the port in the future. The enhancements are expected to improve navigational safety, increase vessel access and strengthen Brisbane’s competitiveness as global shipping lines continue deploying larger ships into Australian trade lanes.
Attendees also heard how the broader expansion strategy aims to create additional port land and infrastructure capacity to support future cargo growth, terminal expansion and long-term supply chain resilience. These developments are viewed as critical in ensuring the Port of Brisbane can continue supporting Queensland’s growing import and export requirements over the coming decades.
The tour also included updates surrounding operations at DP World Brisbane, where significant investment continues to be made into terminal modernisation and automation initiatives.
Discussions highlighted DP World Brisbane’s ongoing rollout of Automated Stacking Cranes and related terminal technology upgrades, aimed at improving operational efficiency, container handling capability and vessel turnaround times. Additional updates included investments into improved rail connectivity and advanced terminal operating systems, supporting greater efficiency across the wider supply chain network.
Overall, the forum and port tour provided attendees with an informative, firsthand look at the significant infrastructure and operational developments underway across the Port of Brisbane precinct, reinforcing the port’s strategic importance to Australia’s international trade future.
Harders is a Silver Partner of the Drinks Association.