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Port of Melbourne

AUMEL🇦🇺Australia

Port Location

About Port of Melbourne

Also known as: Melbourne Ferry Port, Melbourne Harbour

Australia's largest port for containerized and general cargo, it is situated at the mouth of the Yarra River, at the head of Port Phillip. The port handles a wide range of vessel types, including bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers.

Background
The Port of Melbourne is the largest port for containerised and general cargo in Australia. It is located in Melbourne, Victoria, and covers an area at the mouth of the Yarra River, downstream of Bolte Bridge, which is at the head of Port Phillip, as well as several piers on the bay itself. Since 1 July 2003, the Port of Melbourne has been managed by the Port of Melbourne Corporation, a statutory corporation created by the State of Victoria.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
11.09m
Elevation
4m

Operations & Services

Terminals
5

References & Identifiers

GeoNames ID
9828647 →
Wikidata
Q2038062 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
AUMEL
Country
🇦🇺Australia
Time Zone
UTC+11
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port

Region

Subdivision
AU-VIC
Area
East Australia
Sub-area
Tasman Sea
Latitude
-37.8388°
Longitude
144.9370°

Terminals (5)

AAT MELBOURNE APPLETON DOCK

AUSTRALIAN AMALGAMATED TERMINALS

Shed D, Appleton Dock Road, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia

www.aaterminals.com.au →

DP WORLD WEST SWANSON DOCK TERMINAL

DP WORLD (AUSTRALIA)

Mackenzie Rd, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia

www.dpworld.com →

PATRICK EAST SWANSON DOCK TERMINAL

PATRICK

2 Phillipps Road, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia

patrick.com.au →

QUBE PORTS APPLETON DOCK

QUBE PORTS PTY LTD

Appleton Dock Road, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia

qube.com.au →

VICT WEBB DOCK EAST

VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL

78 Webb Dock Dr, Port Melbourne VIC 3207, Australia

www.vict.com.au →
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Melbourne?+
The controlling depth at Melbourne is 11.09 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Melbourne?+
The approach to Melbourne is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Port Melbourne Channel Lighthouse at 0.3 NM to the WNW. Other aids include Port Melbourne Range Front (0.4 NM WSW), Point Gellibrand (2 NM SW), Point Gellibrand Pile (2 NM SW), Schnapper Point (22.9 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Melbourne on?+
The Port of Melbourne is situated on the South Pacific Ocean in AU. The area falls within the temperate maritime climate zone, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Melbourne?+
You can track vessels near Melbourne (AUMEL) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for AUMEL on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Melbourne?+
The Port of Melbourne operates in the UTC+11 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Melbourne?+
MELBOURNE (UN/Locode: AUMEL), Australia is a seaport located at approximately -37.83878° N, 144.93700° E.
Where is the Port of Melbourne located?+
Coordinates: -37.83878° N, 144.93700° E. Nearby terminals/ports:HASTINGS — UN/Locode: AUHAS — -38.29000° N, 145.23000° EGEELONG — UN/Locode: AUGEX — -38.11310° N, 144.37080° EWESTERNPORT — UN/Locode: AUWEP — -38.33199° N, 145.22570° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Melbourne?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Natural and Large. Cranes: mobile cranes and fixed cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts and 25–49 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading and turning area. Depths: channel depth 12.5m - 13.7m; anchorage depth 9.4m - 10m; cargo pier depth 9.4m - 10m; oil terminal depth 11m - 12.2m and maximum draft approx. 11.09 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Melbourne?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: restrictions present; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Melbourne?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: not available; first port of entry: available and additional quarantine services available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Melbourne?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Pleasure Craft, Ro Ro, Special Craft, Tanker, Tugs Harbor Craft and Unspecified.
Which service providers operate at the Port of Melbourne?+
Service providers include Hans Lutz Maschinenfabrik GmbH, Inglasco International Ltd and SHIPAUS Pty Ltd.