Qube is responsible for the rail assets and operation of Moorebank Intermodal Precinct’s IMEX Terminal and the construction of a separate Interstate Terminal in the same area.

Qube initially started operating the IMEX terminal as a reach stacker operation in 2020, while it installed and commissioned an automated container handling system featuring ASCs and AutoStrads from Kalmar. That system is now up and running. “Productivity and accuracy rates are in line with expectations, although further improvement in productivity and accuracy is expected in FY25,” Qube said in its annual results announcement.

The company processed around 24,000 TEU through the IMEX in July 2024. On an annualised basis this equates to 288,000 TEU, which is less than its target window of 300,000 to 350,000 TEU. However, Qube expects volumes to continue to grow in 2025.

For FY24 the IMEX generated an EBITA loss of A$7m, but Qube expects to turn that around. “At current volumes, the MLP IMEX is generating positive cash flow and is expected to be profitable on a run-rate basis by June 25,” Qube said. It expects the terminal to continue to benefit from the completion of Patrick’s automated rail terminal at Port Botany, which has a direct connection to the IMEX.

Interstate Terminal

The Interstate Terminal has not been a success story so far. Qube was responsible for the development of the terminal, which was completed in May 2024. The facility was then handed over to a Joint Development Model (JDM) company which will operate the facility. This is a joint venture between Qube (65% ) LOGOS (25%) and National Intermodal Corporation (NIC) (10%). Qube has been appointed as the service provider under a five-year contract.

The first phase of the Interstate terminal has four rail sidings, each 900m long. These are designed to accommodate 1800m-long interstate freight trains. Trains are intended to travel west to Parkes in New South Wales, then onward to interstate locations in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

As of 30 June, no agreements with customers to use the terminal had been signed, although discussions were ongoing. Qube is still in a dispute with the initial main civil contractor, Martinus Rail, over variations to the contract and delivery times. In September 2023, Qube terminated the contract with Martinus and engaged another company to complete the first phase of the terminal. An adjudicator made an interim decision that Qube must pay Martinus approximately A$63n, but Qube is still pursuing other aspects of its claim.

Qube is now “assessing its long-term ownership and operational strategy for the MLP Interstate Terminal which may involve selling some or all of Qube’s interest in this asset”.

*This story first appeared in the September print issue of WorldCargo News

Qube is responsible for the rail assets and operation of Moorebank Intermodal Precinct’s IMEX Terminal and the construction of a separate Interstate Terminal in the same area.

Qube initially started operating the IMEX terminal as a reach stacker operation in 2020, while it installed and commissioned an automated container handling system featuring ASCs and AutoStrads from Kalmar. That system is now up and running. “Productivity and accuracy rates are in line with expectations, although further improvement in productivity and accuracy is expected in FY25,” Qube said in its annual results announcement.

The company processed around 24,000 TEU through the IMEX in July 2024. On an annualised basis this equates to 288,000 TEU, which is less than its target window of 300,000 to 350,000 TEU. However, Qube expects volumes to continue to grow in 2025.

For FY24 the IMEX generated an EBITA loss of A$7m, but Qube expects to turn that around. “At current volumes, the MLP IMEX is generating positive cash flow and is expected to be profitable on a run-rate basis by June 25,” Qube said. It expects the terminal to continue to benefit from the completion of Patrick’s automated rail terminal at Port Botany, which has a direct connection to the IMEX.

Interstate Terminal

The Interstate Terminal has not been a success story so far. Qube was responsible for the development of the terminal, which was completed in May 2024. The facility was then handed over to a Joint Development Model (JDM) company which will operate the facility. This is a joint venture between Qube (65% ) LOGOS (25%) and National Intermodal Corporation (NIC) (10%). Qube has been appointed as the service provider under a five-year contract.

The first phase of the Interstate terminal has four rail sidings, each 900m long. These are designed to accommodate 1800m-long interstate freight trains. Trains are intended to travel west to Parkes in New South Wales, then onward to interstate locations in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

As of 30 June, no agreements with customers to use the terminal had been signed, although discussions were ongoing. Qube is still in a dispute with the initial main civil contractor, Martinus Rail, over variations to the contract and delivery times. In September 2023, Qube terminated the contract with Martinus and engaged another company to complete the first phase of the terminal. An adjudicator made an interim decision that Qube must pay Martinus approximately A$63n, but Qube is still pursuing other aspects of its claim.

Qube is now “assessing its long-term ownership and operational strategy for the MLP Interstate Terminal which may involve selling some or all of Qube’s interest in this asset”.

*This story first appeared in the September print issue of WorldCargo News