On Thursday the PoTL held a meeting with port users to discuss the berthing protocols at the port. This meeting was convened following berth congestion being encountered as a result of increased port throughput and the reconstruction of berths 8 & 10. It is expected that berth congestion will be encountered over the next 18 months.

The meeting was very positive with the PoTL tabling a draft protocol document. This highlighted the timing required to advise of berthing requirement and the considerations that may be taken into account when allocating berths. The PoTL has undertaken to re-distribute the document shortly for final comment prior to being implemented.

Port users asked for the following to be addressed in the document to assist provide some certainty over future berthing decisions in the port

- Rules in place governing berth priority on berth 4 & 9.
- PoTL's intention on allowing PCC vessels to be progressed in the que due to their very short working requirement (4-6 hours).
- PoTL's confirmation on reduced requirements of ADF and cruise industry berthing demand over the construction period.

In terms of continuous improvement the following items where discussed:

- AQIS to undertake vessel inspections of log and cattle vessels at the anchorage
- Port service providers (pilot, tug, lines) to reduced tariffs for vessels that have to use two (2) berths to complete cargo
- Ability to berth vessels on 7 at night
- Ability to berth cattle vessels at night
- Ability to permanently reduce the minimum gaps between vessels on berths
- Development of a better integrated vessel scheduling system

NSS will be working hard over the construction period to represent the best interest of our clients, whilst also focusing on better productivity to release additional berth capacity for all users.

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