The turnaround is up to four times faster than the manual system for cleaning imported containers and they are cleaned more thoroughly, washing all six sides.

The new system eliminates the risk of injury from high-pressure hoses and ensures a standard quality wash every time.

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien has congratulated AWH Logistics for its innovative approach.

On a site visit today to see the system in action he said that as well as the environmental savings, there would be significant benefits from improved transport productivity.

“The fast wash-down mean trucks only have a short wait before being back on the road, rather than having to make a separate trip to collect the washed container,” the Minister said.

“AWH will now achieve a throughput of 12 TEU (twenty foot equivalent unit containers) an hour compared with three under the old system.

“As well as ensuring a thorough wash-down, the increased efficiency enables trucks to be back on the road without any significant delay.

“Clearing containers more quickly through the port area reduces congestion and helps to keep import costs down.”

Fremantle Ports Chief Executive Officer, Chris Leatt-Hayter described the new technology as an excellent outcome of creative thinking about an important process within the logistics chain.

“A good idea has been followed through to achieve an improved approach with benefits for the environment and for port efficiency,” he said.

A series of rotating sprinkler heads delivers more than 250 litres of water per minute during the wash cycle.

Rainwater is collected in water tanks for the wash-downs and is then degreased and filtered for re-use, significantly reducing mains water consumption. Water storage capacity on site is more than 200,000 litres.

The company designed the system and had it built in New Zealand and aims to introduce the system throughout Australia.

Containers imported through Fremantle Port are inspected by officers of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.