The role of dry ports for viability of short haul rail in Australia

Paper in proceeding, 2011

Purpose A close dry port - intermodal terminal with direct rail connection to a seaport - is a potential solution for seaport terminal congestion as well as for better seaport inland access based on short haul rail. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the viability of rail on short distances through the use/implementation of close dry ports. Research approach Data for the case studies on ports of Sydney and Melbourne and their existing and potential close intermodal facilities was collected through phone and face-to-face interviews; likewise, literature reviews have been carried out in order to accomplish the purpose. In addition, a number of secondary sources were used, such as reports and internal documents. Findings and originality Rail on short haul is heavily argued between academics; the idea behind this study is to contribute to better understanding of viability of rail/intermodal transport on short distances and the role dry ports play in that. The case of the Port of Sydney, with its close intermodal terminals, shows feasibility of intermodal transport on shorter distances and as such offers a new area for research. However, the findings show that clear policy direction needs to be established in order to develop and implement an intermodal terminal strategy. Practical impact The paper highlights the potential of rail on short distances that might be obtained through the use/implementation of dry ports in seaports’ immediate hinterland. Research impact Data for the case studies are collected at ports in Sydney and Melbourne, and their close intermodal terminals. A more comprehensive view of the problem could be obtained through additional case studies on other countries’ seaports and their intermodal terminals.