For Australia, since it is surrounded by oceans, maritime transportation is essential. 98% of trade is container goods. The country attaches significant importance to marine safety and strict adherence to environmental protection standards and ecological balance. Read further to find out what the top seaports in Australia are in terms of TEU size.
Top seaports in Australia
5. Darwin Port (AUDRW)
Port Darwin is Australia’s closest port to Asia and the “northern gateway” to Australian trade. The port is important to the local economy as it supports the region’s mining and rural sectors, including many local industries. It was named after Charles Darwin, who visited the area.
Port Darwin mainly exports Australian pearls, tiles, bricks, uranium, zinc and lead concentrates, LNG, containerized goods, livestock, fruit, and fodder.
Annual throughput in Darwin Port (2021): 0.02 million TEUs
4. Fremantle Port (AUFRE)
Fremantle Port is probably the busiest port in Western Australia. It handles millions of tons of cargo annually, maritime cruises, and the navy 24/7.
There are two ports. Fremantle Inner Port handles almost all of Western Australia’s container trade. It also provides livestock exports, motor vehicle imports, and cruise ship facilities.
Annual throughput in Port of Freemantle (2021): 0.77 million TEUs
3. Port of Brisbane (AUBNE)
The Port of Brisbane is the largest seaport in Queensland state. It is also currently the fastest-growing port in all of Australia, the third busiest in the country, and one of the safest ports in the world.
Brisbane is well known for its strict environmental regulations and attention to ecological sustainability. The handled cargo is mainly dairy products, wool, processed meat, sugar, and canned food.
Annual throughput in Port of Brisbane (2021): 1.55 million TEUs
2. Port of Sydney/Port Botany (AUSYD/AUBTB)
Situated on Botany Bay, the Port of Sydney, also known as the Port of Botany, is Australia’s second-largest container port. As cargo shipping increased in both frequency and volume from the 1960s, this led to the building of other ports, including the Port of Botany, in 1971.
The Port of Botany specializes in the trade of manufactured products and bulk liquids like chemicals, fuel, and gas.
Annual throughput in Port Botany (2021): 2.76 million TEUs
1. Top seaport in Australia, Port of Melbourne (AUMEL)
The Port of Melbourne is one of Australia’s most important seaports. It is one of the largest container ports in the Southern Hemisphere. It was founded in 1835 when John Pascoe Fawkner got to Australia on the Enterprise. In 2003, it was the first Australian port to handle up to 2 million TEUs annually.
Multi-purpose terminals in the port handle diverse types of cargo. These include agricultural equipment, machinery, and break-bulk goods such as timber, paper, iron, and steel. In addition, Melbourne’s port is home to Australia’s largest motor vehicle trading terminal.
Annual throughput in Port Melbourne (2021): 3.27 million TEUs
See other top ports in the world.
