Port of Mackay Container Depot
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has delivered a major infrastructure project at the Port of Mackay unlocking new global trade opportunities for Central Queensland.
Download the Port of Mackay Container Depot Factsheet for a snapshot of key specifications and trade opportunities.
A global gateway to Central Queensland
The construction of a Container Depot at the Port of Mackay strengthens regional supply chain resilience, improves turnaround times and lowers logistics costs for exporters and importers across the region.
- Purpose built container infrastructure
- 1.3 hectare heavy-duty hardstand
- Reach stacker capable
- Scaleable design
Key features
The Container Depot is a scalable facility capable of handling both full and empty containers.
A dedicated reefer tower with 48 plugs provides robust capacity for refrigerated cargo, with the ability to double the number of plugs as trade volumes increase.
The depot is constructed on heavy-duty pavement, and its layout is optimised for flexible and efficient operations. It includes adaptable traffic lanes and clearly defined safety buffers to ensure safe and reliable movement of containers.
Designed to enable seamless import and export activity, the depot has direct road access to the northern Queensland hinterland.
To ensure integrated container flows, the depot also manages all wharf transfers using high-productivity Intra Terminal Vehicles (ITV). This approach ensures that all horizontal container movements between the quay and the yard are seamlessly incorporated into landside gate operations, creating a continuous, congestion-free flow.
Vessel operations themselves remain coordinated between the shipping lines and stevedores, while the ITV-supported transfer process guarantees efficient handoff and yard management.
Commercial advantages
Designed to support regular container services.
Trade diversification
Introducing container handling builds on Mackay's bulk strengths to open new opportunities across agriculture, resources, food and energy.
Supply chain resilience
Shorter road transport and improved handling efficiency support more competitive freight rates.
Scalable growth
With heavy-duty pavement, reefer capacity and efficient empty container management, the depot provides scalable operational capacity.
Emissions reduction
The Port of Mackay Container Depot enables more efficient trade flows, reducing inland transport emissions and incorporates design features that are future ready for digitisation.
Moving your containers through the Port of Mackay
NQBP is open for business and invites exporters and importers to engage with this transformative project.
If your organisation has a container trade opportunity, we’re open for business. Connect with our Commercial team to explore how the Port of Mackay’s new container capability can support your operations.
Timeline
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September 2025
Request for tender
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December 2025
Builder appointed
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January 2026
Construction underway
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Late 2026
Commissioning subject to federal regulatory approvals