The Port of Burnie

Tasmania’s Key Deep-Water Working Port

 

The Port of Burnie is a deep-water working port handling bulk cargo, containers, timber, and general freight. It accommodates bulk carriers, container ships, and roll-on/roll-off vessels. On-dock infrastructure includes a new TasRail shiploader, container cranes, timber loading facilities, storage areas, and vehicle ramps. Strong industry partnerships ensure efficient logistics and freight handling across North West Tasmania.

 

Strategic Partnerships

  • Strait Link (formerly Toll Shipping): Operates daily freight services between Burnie and Melbourne. A new 30-year lease agreement with TasPorts provides long-term operational certainty and facilitates significant infrastructure investment.
  •  TasRail is integral to port logistics, particularly for bulk mineral exports. It owns and operates Tasmania’s only common-user Shiploader and Bulk Mineral Export Facility at the Port of Burnie. The recently commissioned shiploader—funded by the Australian Government—has doubled loading capacity, improving efficiency and supporting increased rail-based export activity across the state.
  • Australian and Tasmanian Governments: The port benefits from a suite of funding and grants, including state investments in facility upgrades, federal Regional Development Grants for export infrastructure, the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) to support local businesses accessing international markets, and Cruise Ship Support Funding. Investments in TasRail and road networks improve connectivity, while targeted programs such as the Shiploader Grant expand bulk handling capacity.
  • Local Industry Stakeholders:  Key local industries rely on the Port of Burnie to export their goods efficiently to domestic and international markets. Forestry companies export woodchips, logs, and timber products. Agricultural producers ship bulk commodities such as grains, dairy, livestock feed, and live animals. Mining operations use the port for metals, minerals, and bulk concentrates. Together, these sectors help maintain the Port of Burnie’s position as Tasmania’s largest general cargo port, handling over five million tonnes of freight each year.
  • Key imports include fuel and petroleum products that supply regional transport and energy needs, agricultural inputs such as fertilisers and animal feed to support farming operations, and general cargo and containerised goods for retail and manufacturing sectors. These imports ensure the steady flow of essential supplies into Tasmania, complementing the port’s strong export operations.

 

These partnerships and investments collectively position the Port of Burnie as a critical hub for Tasmania’s trade and logistics, supporting regional economic growth and long-term industry development.



Location

Burnie Port, Port Road, Burnie 7320  View Map and directions

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