DP World breaks ground on 10.4ha Brisbane Container Park

Dubai-headquartered freight solutions group DP World has broken ground on the 10.4ha state-of-the-art Brisbane Container Park at the Port of Brisbane, adding to the group's existing infrastructure at the Fisherman's Island Terminal and the Brisbane Multimodal Terminal.

The venture is in partnership with Port of Brisbane, logistics real estate specialist LOGOS and local construction firm McNab, and once completed the park will support cargo and liner operators with a one-stop-shop solution for storing and handling full and empty containers, extending depot service offerings already present in Sydney and Melbourne.

The facility will feature cutting-edge logistics technologies including Australia's first two high empty reefer pre-trip facilities as well as MT handlers capable of stacking up to eight containers.

Situated at the mouth of the Brisbane River, the new container park will buttress the port's capacity to respond to surging trade volumes, including the rise in demand for commodities such as crude oil, refined oil and cement.

"DP World has long recognised the importance of the Port of Brisbane in driving economic growth in Queensland and Australia," says DP World's executive vice president for Oceania, Nicolaj Noes.

"The Brisbane Container Park is a major milestone in our progress as an end-to-end supply chain solutions provider, expanding our footprint in the city and exemplifying our commitment to the development of Brisbane and Queensland through trade."

LOGOS general manager of development Queensland, Justin Sherlock, says the group is proud to be partnering with DP World to deliver the facility.

"We have a strong track record in delivering container parks, warehousing and distribution facilities across the region and at the port of Brisbane," Sherlock says.

New food distribution hub in Karawatha

LOGOS is also involved in another Brisbane logistics project that broke ground this week - a 28,332sqm logistics hub in the southern suburb of Karawatha near Logan, which will serve as a new food distribution warehouse for Martin Brower ANZ, a leading global supply chain solutions provider for restaurant chains.

Martin Brower pre-committed to a 15-year lease term on the new 9,301sqm temperature-controlled distribution centre.

"The new distribution centre represents a significant milestone for Martin Brower, doubling our capacity in Queensland and ensuring we can continue to deliver the highest quality of service to our customer,” Martin Brower’s managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Scott Hanigan, says.

"We are committed to creating smart, sustainable supply chains, and this site will play a pivotal role in helping achieve a 50 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030. The new site will provide 100 local jobs and enable us to enhance our logistics services further."

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says the new site brings significant economic investment, job creation, and supply chain capability to the city.

"Brisbane’s reputation as a collaborative and business-friendly city is one of the key ingredients to our success," Cr Schrinner says.

"Martin Brower’s expansion through their new Brisbane distribution centre reflects confidence in our city’s economic opportunities and logistical capabilities. We’re keen to continue working with other businesses and investors considering opportunities to help Brisbane’s economy thrive."

The custom-designed facility will deliver chilled, frozen, and ambient storage capability. The site will also provide refuelling, truck wash, and weighbridge facilities, and space to park and manage the Martin Brower fleet.

LOGOS acquired the brownfield site in April 2021 due to its strategic location: the site is at the interchange of Ipswich and Logan Motorways, 23km southwest of Brisbane CBD, giving unparalleled access to Brisbane’s key arterial road networks.

"We are proud to be working with Martin Brower on our second build-to-suit facility in the region," LOGOS head of Australia and New Zealand, Darren Searle, says.

"It exemplifies the group’s capability in food grade facilities and is the final commitment to our Berrinba Logistics Hub, one of southeast Queensland’s premier cold storage and food production logistics locations."

Vaughan Constructions will build the facility, while under tender TMX Transform procured the contract for ongoing construction delivery management and project support to Martin Brower until completion, expected in the second half of 2024.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) also supported LOGOS Group and Martin Brower in identifying the optimal site location.

"The site selection was essential, as this agreement secures the last available land parcel adjacent to this critical infrastructure – the access to the Logan and Gateway motorways,” TMX director of property, Matthew Frazer-Ryan, says.

The facility is targeting certification as 5-star green star rated, incorporating sustainable design, energy management, recycling, and waste management facilities.