Patrick Terminals Media Statement
Last Updated: 20th December 2024
Response to ACCC Container Stevedoring Monitoring Report 2023-24
Patrick does not agree with observations in the ACCC’s Container Stevedoring Monitoring Report 2023-24 about the competitiveness of the container terminal industry, including for landside services. Some of the ACCC’s observations appear to be based on incomplete or inaccurate information and may present a misleading view of significant matters.
The Report observes that a policy or regulatory response may lead to a more efficient container freight supply chain in Australia. However, Patrick Terminals has provided extensive detail about the minimal benefits and significant risks of a further policy or regulatory response. It is essential that a more comprehensive whole of supply chain evaluation be undertaken to more fulsomely analyse these issues, particularly given container terminal operator landside fees comprise less than 5% of total supply chain costs.
Patrick is committed to the voluntary pricing guidelines and reasonable enhancements over time. Further enhancements that address the ACCC’s observations about supporting shippers to make informed business decisions have just been implemented and should be given time to demonstrate their effectiveness.
Patrick has made substantial investments in improving service efficiencies over a long period of time, contributing to real supply chain costs halving across the past 20 years. A continuing threat of regulation creates investment uncertainty and may impact delivery of the next wave of savings, including through rail and sustainability initiatives.
Patrick will continue to pursue its strategy of delivering a superior value proposition to quayside and landside customers (and ultimately shippers) to attract and retain volumes.
Media contact – Sarah Dennis 0418 653 863