Record 265m ro-ro vessel docks at Port of Newcastle

27 August 2025

newy.com.au – Port of Newcastle received the largest roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) vessel to call at the harbour, with the 265-metre ship berthing at West Basin 4 and discharging rail wagons and large-scale mining equipment.

Port of Newcastle said the call marks a further step in its diversification into ro-ro trade, particularly the high and heavy segment, and strengthens its case for a bespoke ro-ro terminal on Australia’s east coast. The port said the arrival demonstrated its capability in handling high and heavy cargo and its role as a trade enabler for the Hunter, northern NSW and beyond.

Unlike ro-ro visits earlier in the year that were primarily passenger vehicle carriers, the latest shipment was focused on industrial cargo, with the port positioning the service as a direct and competitive option closer to production regions. Port of Newcastle said growth in agricultural and mining equipment moving through the city had accelerated in volume and frequency in recent months.

Port of Newcastle Executive Manager Business Development Kate McArthur said the milestone built on regulatory approvals and early trade wins. “Since we received first point of entry DAFF approval last year, and following the Hyundai and Kia cars discharged over the New Year period, we’ve been actively growing our ro-ro capability, targeting both passenger vehicles and the high and heavy segment,” she said.

McArthur said volumes and diversity of cargo moving through Newcastle were increasing. “We’re experiencing growth volumes and trade diversification not previously seen at the Port, with agricultural and mining equipment continuing to move through Newcastle in greater volume and frequency.”

She said ro-ro development is one of three priorities alongside the energy transition and multipurpose freight. “The continued development of our ro-ro terminal is one of three key areas of strategic focus for the Port of Newcastle, alongside our Clean Energy Precinct and Multipurpose Terminal.”

The port’s ro-ro pitch is that Newcastle can offer industries in regional NSW a shorter and more efficient supply chain to global markets by avoiding longer road transfers to other east coast gateways. McArthur said that proximity advantage, combined with expanded storage areas and terminal investment, would broaden choice for importers and exporters. “Over the coming months, we’ll be increasing our storage capability and ro-ro terminal investment in line with market demand. Our location provides key industries in NSW, including agriculture and mining, with a closer and more efficient pathway to global markets, making Newcastle a natural gateway for these critical sectors.”

She added the expanded service aims to encourage competition among logistics providers. “Our expanded ro-ro capability introduces more competition and better options for the market, and we’ll continue building our infrastructure and service offering to meet the needs of industry over the next few years,” McArthur said.

The record-length vessel highlighted Newcastle’s capacity to handle heavy equipment as it seeks to grow ro-ro alongside the Clean Energy Precinct and Multipurpose Terminal. Over the coming months the port plans to add storage and continue investment in the ro-ro terminal, with further infrastructure works flagged over the next few years in line with market demand.