Indicates that Queensland's population is projected to increase from 5.5 million to 8.3 million by 2060, resulting in a tripling of container volumes and an increase in freight movements.

The Port of Brisbane is at the forefront of innovation in the field of higher productivity freight vehicles (HPFVs), having successfully trialled five new HPFV combinations on Fisherman Islands over the past 12 months, delivering increased productivity for operators. 

Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) has worked with the Office of the Chief Engineer at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to facilitate successful on-road trials for transport operators, including MEDLOG, South East Queensland Hauliers, and Arrow Transport. Productivity increases of between 50% and 100% have been achieved compared to the container carrying capacity of other heavy vehicles. c 

The safe operation of the HPFV combinations 

Validation of simulation studies and engineering assessments conducted by the Office of the Chief Engineer is achieved through these instrumented trials, which assist the NHVR in evaluating the safe operation of the HPFV combinations and developing safety controls where necessary.

The new HPFVs 

Permits have been granted for the following new HPFVs to operate on defined routes within Fisherman Islands under strict safety and operational conditions:

MEDLOG B-Triple – increasing productivity of the Super-B by 50% carrying capacity, transporting empty containers between parks and depot

• South East Queensland Hauliers: 
  • Electric A-Triple – a 50% increase in productivity to the A-Double carrying capacity, when carting empty containers between parks and depot. 
  • Super A-Double – a 100% increase in productivity to the A-Double carrying capacity, and a 33% increase on the Super B – for 4 x Heavy Grain Containers between their depot and the terminals
  • Heavy A-Double – a 50% increase in productivity to the A-Double carrying capacity – for 3x Heavy Grain Containers between their depot and the terminals.
• Arrow Transport A-Triple – a 50% increase in productivity to the A-Double carrying capacity – for both laden and empty containers for its export customer. 

The latest innovations

The latest innovations in this field were first trialled and put into operation at the Port of Brisbane by Qube Logistics, who were the first to be issued a permit for its B Triple in 2020. This was followed by the introduction of its Super B-Double, Super B-Triple Double-Stacked and Super B-Triple Double-Stack vehicles (all in 2023). In 2023, ACFS Port Logistics also deployed a Super B-Triple combination on Port roads. 

Important role in transporting goods within the port

PBPL CEO Neil Stephens said that HPFVs were playing an increasingly important role in transporting goods within the port, improving efficiency while promoting sustainability.

“We’re pleased to support the safe introduction of new HPFVs by our customers at the Port of Brisbane. They boost productivity and help to address wider industry challenges such as driver shortages and sustainability priorities, including reducing emissions,” said Mr Stephens.

“Queensland is growing, and so is the freight task. In FY25, the port handled over 1.6 million containers, around 98% of which were transported by road.

Our Vision 2060 

Our Vision 2060 research indicates that Queensland's population is projected to increase from 5.5 million to 8.3 million by 2060, resulting in a tripling of container volumes and an increase in freight movements. It’s essential that we work together to manage the growing freight task efficiently, sustainably, and in a connected way.”

As Port Manager, I am also focused on ensuring that Port roads can safely support these HPFVs and future logistics needs. Whether we're maintaining existing roads or building new ones, we're investing to ensure that the port's infrastructure is ready for the next generation of port logistics.'

About : The Port of Brisbane

The Port of Brisbane is Queensland's premier multi-cargo port and one of Australia's fastest-growing container ports, located at the mouth of the Brisbane River on Fisherman Islands. It manages over 95% of the state's container and motor vehicle trade, featuring specialized container terminals, a dedicated cruise terminal, and a 90km shipping channe

Source : Press - Release
 #The Port of Brisbane #CEO Neil Stephen #Queensland #ACFS Port Logistics #HPFV combinations # MEDLOG#Vision 2060 research #freight vehicle innovation #Fisherman Islands