A port is only as efficient as the supply chain in which it sits and the need to ensure effective and efficient transport linkages both now and in the future is well recognised.
Fremantle Ports is working with other Western Australian Government agencies, port service providers and the transport industry in this regard.
In recognition of the importance of land transport issues to the future of the Inner Harbour, a Land Transport Linkages Strategy is being developed to clearly establish the key actions which need to be addressed and to clearly delineate division of responsibilities.
Key areas being addressed in this strategy are planning for future facilities at Fremantle Port; planning to ensure transport corridors and inland distribution sites are protected and developed; removing obstacles to improving transport efficiency; and facilitating improved coordination along the supply chain.
Increasing the use of rail for transporting freight to and from the port is a significant opportunity for relieving pressure on access roads, thus improving efficiency while reducing impacts on the community.
As trucks are expected to continue to be the dominant form of land transport serving Fremantle Port, improvements in trucking efficiency will benefit not only trade but also the community.
Increasing two-way loading of trucks and reducing the need for truck trips to the port to pick up and drop off empty containers are two of the strategies to achieve this.
The reclamation at Rous Head associated with the Inner Harbour deepening has provided an additional 27 hectares of land for port-related purposes. It has also created an opportunity to design the area to improve landside access and efficiency.
Fremantle Ports has undertaken extensive planning work and consulted with key parties in the supply chain to ensure that the future layout of the port precinct meets a range of requirements for the future.
The reclaimed area also provides an opportunity to address the issue of truck queuing in the port precinct. See Truck marshalling.