China invested in a lagging Darwin port. Now profitable, Australia wants it back 

Darwin Port reopened yesterday, 24 November, after Tropical Cyclone Fina no longer posed a risk to the harbour. Critical services including pilotage, harbour control and vessel traffic services have been restored.

Vessel access to services will initially be afforded to critical NT supply chains and fuel security, before reverting to normal operating procedures in accordance with the Darwin Port Access Policy. All persons and vessels must keep a vigilant lookout for obstacles such as trees and other debris in the water.

One vessel remains unaccounted for and others have grounded in areas around the harbour; these will take some time to recover and may pose a hazard to navigation.

Pursuant to subsection 50(1)

 It is noteworthy that Pursuant to subsection 50(1) of the Ports Management Act 2015 (NT), the waters of Port of Darwin will reopen from 1100 on 24 November 2025. Tropical Cyclone Fina no longer poses a risk to the harbour.
Critical services including pilotage, harbour control and vessel traffic services have been restored. Vessel access to services will initially be afforded to critical NT supply chains and fuel security, before reverting to normal operating procedures in accordance with the Darwin Port Access Policy.
There remains one vessel unaccounted for and others that have grounded in areas around the harbour. These will take some time to recover and may pose a hazard to navigation.

Between China and Australia

 On the other hand  China invested in a lagging Darwin port. Now profitable, Australia wants it back where China’s ambassador to Australia has described the Australian government’s plan to end a Chinese firm’s control of the strategically located Darwin Port as “questionable”, saying the company should not be punished.

Related : China suspends "special port fees" for US ships

The Port of Darwin

The Port of Darwin is strategically positioned as Australia’s nearest port to Asia and the nation’s ‘northern gateway’ for Australasian trade. It is also a key support hub for the expanding offshore oil and gas fields in the Arafura Sea, Timor Sea and waters off the coast of Western Australia. It is the only port between Townsville and Fremantle with full access to multi-modal transport services.  Darwin Port provides world class pilotage and harbour control systems and a seamless supply chain capable of handling containers and general cargo, bulk liquids, bulk materials, live exports and heavy lift oversized cargoes.  Darwin Port also services cruise ships and naval vessels at the Fort Hill Wharf facility.

The Landbridge Group plans to grow Darwin Port by developing the infrastructure to meet future customer needs. By doing so, Landbridge brings an opportunity to increase trade with Asia through the company’s extensive business networks in the region.

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