Port Freight and Logistics Services

A number of port freight and logistics parties are involved in the efficient operation of the port precinct. Their contribution to the industry is undertaking services that facilitate the movement of freight into and out of the port and its facilities. Further details on the various port freight and logistics services available can be obtained from the Sydney Ports Handbook.

Shipping

Shipping involves the movement of freight to and from port facilities by sea on a vessel. A number of shipping lines visit Sydney Ports’ facilities at Port Botany and Sydney Harbour. Shipping Australia Limited is the professional body for this sector.

Pilotage

Pilotage is the service to navigate a vessel into, within or out of port waters. This service is undertaken at Port Botany and Sydney Harbour by the Sydney Pilots Service, a subsidiary of Sydney Ports Corporation.

Towage and Lines Services

Towage and lines services support the safe and efficient movement of vessels as they arrive and depart from the port. This service is provided at Port Botany by Svitzer and Australian Maritime Services (AMS), and at Sydney Harbour by Svitzer.

Stevedores

Stevedores undertake the safe and efficient transfer of containers to and from vessels, with temporary storage of containers available for the receival and delivery of containers by road and rail operators. This service is provided at Port Botany by DP World and Patrick.

Bulk Liquid Facilities

Bulk liquid facilities offer storage and transfer services for a range of fossil fuels, chemical and biofuels. A number of bulk liquid facilities are located at Port Botany.  The Bulk Liquid Industry Association is the professional body for this sector.

Container Parks

Container parks support the storage and transfer of containers between the stevedore and customer. A number of container park operators offer this service at the port precincts, across metropolitan Sydney, and in rural and regional New South Wales.

Customs Brokers

Customs brokers provide assistance to importers and exporters in meeting government requirements governing the import and export of freight. The Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia is the professional body for this sector.

Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders are involved with the business of dispatching cargo on behalf of individuals or companies. The Australian Federation of International Forwarders is the professional body for this sector.

Australian Customs Service

The Australian Customs Service manages the security and integrity of Australia’s borders to detect and deter the unlawful movement of cargo across the border. Officers from the agency work with stevedores and port authorities to ensure border protection in a manner that minimises the impact on trade facilitation.  The Australian Customs Service is an agency of the Australian Government.

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service provide quarantine inspection for cargo arriving in Australia, and inspection and certification for a range of agricultural products exported from Australia. Officers from the agency work with stevedores, road and rail operators to ensure that the external inspection of containers in an efficient and timely manner. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service is an agency of the Australian Government.

For information and useful links relating to Sydney’s ports click here.