Upgraded Koala service at Victoria International Container Terminal boosts Asia linkage

Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) recently enhanced maritime connection to Asian markets through a revamped Koala service.

The service, operated by MSC, made its inaugural call at VICT on October 4, linking the Port of Melbourne directly with major ports in China and Indonesia. VICT’s inclusion in the rotation underscores MSC’s confidence in VICT’s capability to deliver world-class terminal performance, with fixed weekly route offering increased flexibility to supply chains serving Australia’s largest consumer market and providing shippers with comprehensive coverage across the country’s southern and western regions.

The Koala service rotation covers Shanghai – Hong Kong – Jakarta – Fremantle – Adelaide – Melbourne – Jakarta – Shanghai. With Melbourne as the final major outbound Australian port, exporters across Victoria can benefit from the direct, weekly link to key Asian markets. The rotation is completed in approximately 35 days with seven vessels deployed.

“The arrival of the Koala service validates VICT’s key role as Australia’s preferred gateway for high-frequency, reliable shipping line services,” said Bruno Porchietto, VICT chief executive officer. “Our fully automated systems deliver superior berth productivity with minimal operational variability, giving stakeholders the predictability they need to plan their logistics around a consistent weekly window. We thank MSC for trusting our capability to meet the requirements of this service.”

As Australia’s most advanced container terminal, VICT’s fully automated operations ensure rapid vessel turnaround times and schedule consistency–critical factors for maintaining weekly service calls. The terminal’s operational efficiency, combined with the service’s comprehensive coverage, provides shippers with direct and dependable options for cargo movement that reduce the need for unnecessary transshipment and improve overall transit times.

The addition of the Koala service to VICT’s service offerings strengthens the Port of Melbourne’s position as a key gateway in the Asia-Australia trade corridor, enhancing connectivity for importers, exports and logistics providers across the region. VICT continues to work closely with major shipping lines to expand service options and strengthen Melbourne’s regional connections and access to global markets.