Who does what in the port?

The business of the Port of Melbourne involves a large number of organisations competing and cooperating to deliver value to their customers, stakeholders and constituents. The following list describes the main port functions and who provides them:

• All land within the port boundaries is owned by Port of Melbourne Corporation (PoMC).
• Channels are owned by the Government of Victoria, licensed to PoMC. Channel management for commercial shipping is managed directly by PoMC.
• Channel markers and other navigation aids are provided and owned by PoMC.
• Railway tracks, roadways, water and power services are provided and owned by PoMC on port land and by occupiers on land leased by them.
• Container stevedoring services are provided by private sector companies on port land subject to controls within long-term leases with PoMC. See the Customer Handbook for details.
• Dedicated loading and unloading services are operated by private companies, subject to safety and environmental supervision by PoMC staff at common user berths. See the Customer Handbook for details.
• General stevedoring services are provided by private sector companies at  leased and common user berths subject to controls exerted through contracts. See the Customer Handbook for details.
• Rail and rail services are provided by private operators.
• Pilotage is provide by a private company subject to licensing by Marine Safety Victoria and safety oversight by the Harbour Master (PoMC) .
• Towage is provided by private companies subject to safety oversight by the Harbour Master (PoMC).
• Brokerage, agency, insurance and other commercial services are provided by private companies.
• Other port services  are provided mainly under service or maintenance contracts subject to supervision by PoMC staff.
• Shipping movements are controlled by the Harbour Master (PoMC).
• Recreational boating with respect to the shipping channels is controlled by the Harbour Master (PoMC) by formal arrangement with Parks Victoria.