UN/LOCODE AUMEL: Port of Melbourne, Australia — Seaport
Location
| Coordinates | -37.84, 144.93 |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Function | Australia's Largest General Cargo & Container Port |
| Authority | Port of Melbourne Operations |
Physical Specifications
| Max Draft | 14.5m |
|---|---|
| Channel Depth | 14m |
| Tide Range | 1.5m |
| Berth Length | 350m (VICT Automated Terminal) |
| Anchorage Depth | 18m |
Administrative
| Customs Code | AUMEL |
|---|---|
| IMO Facility No. | Yes |
| Working Hours | 24/7 |
| ISPS Compliance | Yes |
| VHF Channel | 12 |
| Port Website | www.portofmelbourne.com/ |
Commercial & Logistics
| Annual Volume | 3,100,000 |
|---|---|
| Primary Cargo Types | Containerized manufactured goods, vehicles, meat, dairy, grain, wine, woodchips, petroleum products |
| Vessel Types | Container, RoRo, Bulk, Tanker, Break Bulk, Livestock |
| Free Trade Zone | No |
| Bunker Fuel | Yes, all grades |
| Nearest Airport | Melbourne Airport (MEL) — 25km |
| Rail Connection | On-dock rail at Swanson Dock, connecting to national rail network |
| Highway Access | West Gate Freeway (M1) and CityLink tollway direct access |
| Inland Depots | Dynon Intermodal Terminal, Altona Logistics Park, Somerton Freight Terminal |
Trade Intelligence: Melbourne
Melbourne is classified as a Seaport with annual throughput of 3,100,000. The port handles Containerized manufactured goods, vehicles, meat, dairy, grain, wine, woodchips, petroleum products. As Australia's Largest General Cargo & Container Port, Melbourne plays a critical role in Australia's trade infrastructure. Shippers should confirm berth availability, draft restrictions, and ISPS security levels directly with Port of Melbourne Operations before scheduling vessel calls.
Port History
Australia's busiest port by volume, handling over 35% of the nation's container trade. The port was relocated from the Yarra River to its current Swanson Dock location in the 1960s. Privatized in 2016 on a 50-year lease.
Authority: Port of Melbourne Operations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LOCODE for Melbourne?
The UN/LOCODE is AUMEL. Use in bills of lading and customs declarations.
What trade routes connect to Melbourne?
Melbourne serves as Australia's Largest General Cargo & Container Port. Sydney, Auckland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Rotterdam
How do I find shipping schedules?
Contact Port of Melbourne Operations or query carriers (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) using LOCODE AUMEL.
Data Sources & Provenance
Port specifications compiled from:
- UNECE UN/LOCODE Directory — United Nations official location codes
- Port of Melbourne Operations — official port authority
- IMO GISIS — maritime facility database
Updated: June 2026. For reference only. Not for navigation.