# Port of Melbourne upgrades Appleton Dock for critical minerals trade

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/port-of-melbourne-upgrades-appleton-dock-for-critical-minerals-trade/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** pelavox. Newsroom
- **Published:** 2026-10-06T19:16:12+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-06T19:16:12+00:00
- **Section:** Ports
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Port of Melbourne

Port of Melbourne has upgraded infrastructure at Appleton Dock to handle dry bulk commodities and strengthen rail-to-port movements of critical minerals.

The project has been developed with Qube, Australian Amalgamated Terminals (AAT) and the Victorian Government. It includes changes to the dock’s wharf and rail infrastructure, as well as new bulk handling capabilities and specialised equipment.

The first rail shipment using the upgraded supply chain was transferred to a vessel that departed the port on September 28, 2026.

## Appleton Dock expands dry bulk capabilities

The upgrades are supporting the transition of Appleton Dock from its traditional general cargo role towards an intermodal facility capable of handling both general cargo and dry bulk exports.

Critical minerals can now move by rail from Qube’s Ultima Intermodal Terminal to the Port of Melbourne before being transferred from train to vessel for onward transportation and processing.

Infrastructure improvements include enhanced wharf facilities, upgraded rail interfaces and changes to bulk handling processes.

Saul Cannon, Chief Executive Officer of Port of Melbourne, said the investment was expanding the port’s rail-to-port capabilities and creating additional capacity for critical minerals exports.

“Upgrades at Appleton Dock are enabling more efficient transport of critical minerals by rail, unlocking new export capacity while improving supply chain performance,” Cannon said.

Port of Melbourne said it has invested more than $1 billion in infrastructure since 2016 and plans a further $1.5 billion of investment by 2030.

## Rail links support new export flows

The port investments complement rail infrastructure work by the Victorian Government on the line through Korong Vale to Manangatang.

Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said rail freight investment was supporting the movement of critical minerals as demand linked to renewable energy increases.

AAT Managing Director Pat Smith said the rail siding upgrades and associated investment were changing Appleton Dock into an intermodal terminal capable of handling general cargo alongside bulk imports and exports.

Qube is providing the freight and logistics operation linking the mineral supply chain to the port.

Todd Emmert, Director of Qube Bulk, said the operation combines heavy haulage and rail infrastructure with the company’s Rotabox technology and specialist trailer equipment to transport critical minerals from production sites to the port.

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Cite as: "Port of Melbourne upgrades Appleton Dock for critical minerals trade", pelavox., 6 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/port-of-melbourne-upgrades-appleton-dock-for-critical-minerals-trade/