About us
Navigational safety is at the heart of what Ports Victoria does, while leading the strategic development and operation of Victoria’s commercial ports and waterways. The merged operations of Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) (VPCM) and Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA) forming Ports Victoria, started on 1 July 2021. We are developing a new, dedicated website, but for now, information on safety, shipping operations, cruise shipping and other activities in and around our ports, will continue to be available on the VRCA and VPCM websites, linked below.
Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne)
Information for the port of Melbourne, including shipping operations, safety, Station Pier and cruise shipping.
Victorian Regional Channels Authority
Information for the ports of Geelong and Hastings, including shipping operations and safety.Latest news
Keeping you informed
Stay up to date with important information
While we work on our new website, you can stay up to date via the following articles and links.
We will keep you informed about operational matters, safety and activities in our ports and on the bays.
Public Notice - Safe Transport Victoria: Declaration of boating activity exemption
Safe Transport Victoria has issued a Declaration of Boating Activity Exemption in relation to the 2024 Geelong Offshore Superboat Race on the weekend of 16 and 17 March 2024.
Towage Services Determination for Melbourne
A Towage Services Determination for the port waters of the port of Melbourne was gazetted by Ports Victoria on 29 February 2024 under the Port Management Act 1995 (Vic). The Determination is effective 1 March 2024.
Svitzer Australia has been issued a non-exclusive licence, effective 1 March 2024, following an application process.
In determining the requirements of the Towage Services Determination, Ports Victoria engaged with Port of Melbourne as the port operator, Fire Rescue Victoria, industry and government agencies to define the towage requirements that respond to the safety and efficiency needs of towage in port of Melbourne waters.
Ports Victoria’s CEO, Craig Walker said “This represents the first Towage Services Determination issued for a Victorian commercial port. It provides a base to ensure sufficient towage is available for the port of Melbourne’s needs and will enhance the safety and efficiency of this critical port service.
“I want to thank everyone at Ports Victoria who were involved in this important work.
“We will soon start the process to implement Towage Services Determinations and licensing regimes at other Victorian commercial ports.”
New CEO of Ports Victoria announced
Ports Victoria welcomes the announcement of Craig Walker as the organisation’s new CEO. Follow the link to read the announcement from the Minister for Ports and Freight.
Notice of proposal to make a towage services determination
The introduction of a non-exclusive towage licensing scheme was an action of Navigating our Port Futures – The Victorian Commercial Ports Strategy. Ports Victoria has taken a significant step in implementing a licensing scheme through gazettal of a notice of proposal to make a towage services determination for port of Melbourne. Ports Victoria is now seeking written submissions from persons likely affected by the proposed determination.
See more information by viewing the Special Gazette using the Read More link below.
CEO announces resignation
The CEO of Ports Victoria, Brendan Webb, has announced his resignation from the organisation.
Follow the link below to read the announcement.
Public Notice - Safe Transport Victoria: Declaration of boating activity exemption
Safe Transport Victoria has issued a Declaration of Boating Activity Exemption in relation to the 2023 Geelong Offshore Superboat Championships on the weekend of 18 and 19 March 2023.
Pilotage services providers licence introduced in Victoria
From 1 March 2023, all pilotage services providers (PSPs) in Victoria must be licensed by Ports Victoria, under changes to the state's Port Management Act 1995.
All existing PSPs registered with Safe Transport Victoria (STVic) are automatically licensed from 1 March 2023.
New licence applicants must now apply to Ports Victoria and be assessed against requirements in its new Pilotage Services Providers Standard.
Follow the link above to view the Standard.
Resumption of shipping ports of Melbourne and Hastings
Please find a link to Notice to Mariners 404 (T) – 2022 Safe clearing of commercial vessels (SOLAS) from Port Waters – cancelled.
The NtM advises mariners and port users that Svitzer Australia have announced the planned lockout of tug crews will not proceed and planned shipping movements and port operations can recommence.
As such, Ports Victoria will coordinate a staged resumption of shipping within port of Melbourne effective immediately. The scheduling of vessel movements will be coordinated through Melbourne VTS.
Shipping will also resume within the port of Hastings.
Update on potential disruption to towage services in the ports of Hastings and Melbourne
An update as at 17:00 on 17 November 2022 in regard to Ports Victoria planning for the potential disruption to towage services in the ports of Hastings and Melbourne
Potential disruption to towage services in the ports of Hastings and Melbourne
An update on planning for a potential disruption to towage services in the ports of Melbourne and Hastings commencing at 12:00pm on Friday 17 November 2022.
Caretaker period before Victorian election
As the Victorian State election will be held on Saturday 26 November 2022, the Victorian Government has assumed a caretaker role from 6 pm on 1 November 2022. During the caretaker period, content will only be added to this website in accordance with the caretaker conventions.
Cruise shipping returns to Station Pier
Cruise shipping returns to Station Pier with the arrival of the Coral Princess on Thursday 15 September 2022.
The Victorian Commercial Ports Strategy
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne today released Navigating our Port Futures: The Victorian Commercial Ports Strategy, which sets out a 30-year framework to ensure an efficient and productive ports system. The strategy document is available via the link below.
Ocean Onyx in Port Phillip Bay
The Ocean Onyx offshore exploration drilling will be in Port Phillip Bay for two weeks.
Melbourne Harbour Master leaving Ports Victoria for new role
Captain Kell Dillon, Harbour Master for the port of Melbourne, is leaving Ports Victoria to take up a new role at Maritime Safety Queensland.
Inaugural Ports Victoria CEO appointed
Ports Victoria welcomes the announcement of Brendan Webb as the organisation’s inaugural CEO. Follow the link to read the announcement from the Minister for Ports and Freight.
Melbourne VTS team wins AMSA award
Quick thinking and resourcefulness on the job have won three of Ports Victoria’s Melbourne Vessel Traffic Services officers a prestigious maritime safety award for 2020-21.
Keep Clear of Big Ships
Stay safe while enjoying time out on the water. Boaties are reminded to keep clear of big ships when out on Port Phillip, Western Port and all other Victorian waters. And remember, please check all equipment and your engine, before you set off.
Head Office
East 1E, 13-35 Mackey Street
North Geelong VIC 3215
T: +61 3 5225 3500
E: information@ports.vic.gov.au
W: www.vrca.vic.gov.au
Media: +61 3 8347 8348
Melbourne Office
Level 5, 530 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
T: +61 3 8347 8300
E: information@ports.vic.gov.au
W: www.vicports.vic.gov.au
Media: +61 3 8347 8348
We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal Owners of Country throughout Victoria and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and to the ongoing living culture of Aboriginal people.