Victorian government sets out new plan for electric freight
The state’s Labour government reportedly met with over 100 freight and logistics industry figures to outline key actions from the plan to support the sector. It will support not only the use of electric trucks and lorries but also new road, rail and port infrastructure, all with the aim of moving more cargo with fewer emissions. This includes a feasibility study on green methanol bunkering as well as the establishment of Green Shipping Corridors to promote regional decarbonisation.
With the Port of Melbourne handling over a third of Australia’s shipping container trade, this shift could significantly impact the country’s emissions from overland freight. The sector currently employs around 240,000 people in the state, and Victoria’s freight task is expected to increase from 440 million tonnes in 2020-21 to around 908 million tonnes by 2050-51.
Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne, said: “Our plan will support operators to cut carbon emissions – making the industry most sustainable and ensuring freight can move around Victoria efficiently. This will protect and strengthen Victoria’s competitive advantage, maintain the status of Australia’s freight and logistics capital and support our workforce of 260,000 who keep our supply chains moving every day.”
The state’s Labour government says this is a step towards being the first Australian state to sign a global Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for decarbonising freight transport, although it did not share information as to which MOU it refers.
0 Comments