Cars shut down Fremantle Passenger Terminal

Space constraints caused by a rising number of motor vehicles being shipped through Fremantle Ports has led the Authority to stop taking bookings for the use of the Fremantle Passenger Terminal as an events venue.

While the venue will continue to be used for cruise ship and naval visits, Fremantle Ports said in an announcement that the closure of the terminal would free up space for 750 more imported vehicles, relieving problems brought on by the increased size and frequency of vehicle shipments.

The full text of an announcement from the Fremantle Port Authority is pasted below

Fremantle Ports has stopped taking bookings for use of the Fremantle Passenger Terminal as a venue for events. The venue will, however, continue to be used for cruise ship and naval visits. Current 2007 confirmed bookings for events are not affected by the decision.

The reason for the decision to discontinue using the Passenger Terminal for functions and events is the growth in the motor vehicle trade and Fremantle Ports' need to be in a position to continue to accommodate this important trade.

Fremantle Ports' trade in new motor vehicles increased by 29% in 2006-07. This followed growth of 8 per cent, 20 per cent, 13 per cent and 23 per cent in 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 respectively.

In most cases, up until recently, Fremantle Ports has been able to receive the imported vehicles into the existing cargo handling areas as the eastern end of Victoria Quay. Now though, the size of shipments, combined with car carrier frequency has put pressure on the availability of space for the motor vehicles trade.

The problem can be particularly acute in situations where a large shipment is followed closely by the arrival of a smaller shipment of vehicles.

Closure of the Fremantle Passenger Terminal to functions will free up an extra 11,000 square metres of parking space, which is adequate to accommodate about 750 motor vehicles.

Fremantle Ports would like to thank past users for their valued support of the Fremantle Passenger Terminal