Commercial and Business

Located on the shoreline of tropical North Queensland, adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the Port of Townsville is a world class gateway for global trade and investment. Managing approximately ten million tonnes of cargo each year, the port plays an integral role in international shipping operations. As one of the world’s leading exporters of base metals (by variety), the port is also Australia’s largest exporter of raw sugar and molasses. The port’s contribution to the regional economy is outstanding due to its link to the vast hinterland that serves the North West and North East Queensland mineral provinces.

Port of Townsville Limited (POTL) is both a public and business agency responsible for developing and managing the port as an efficient conduit for global trade and to promote economic development. POTL also operates facilities and services in support of its port operations.

North Queensland is one of the fastest growing economic regions in Queensland and has one of the highest population growth rates in Australia.

Townsville is also renowned for having one of the most diverse economies in the country. This diversity of the economy of the region is reflected in the trade profile of the region’s Port.

Servicing resource, agricultural, industrial and retail sectors; containerised, dry bulk, bulk liquid and break bulk cargoes; exports originating throughout a vast area of Queensland; and imports from around Australia and the globe; The Port of Townsville handles a very broad-range of commodities.

Port of Townsville is instrumental to continued industrial and economic growth in North Queensland. In 2008/09 international exports were valued at over $4,865,529,000 ($4.865 billion). Add to this figure imports which support the development of the region and products transhipped to and from other Australian ports. 

Port of Townsville directly employs around 100 personnel and is directly and indirectly responsible for over 1,000 full-time jobs. Port-related economic activity incurs direct and flow on effects worth over $437 million every year in terms of out-put, value added and household income. These figures highlight Port of Townsville as one of Queensland’s most strategic assets.

The Port is highly-integrated with the regional economy it serves and is intrinsically linked with its future outlook. Since the settlement of Townsville and the commencement of construction of the first wharf in the 1860s, North Queensland has forged strong international links with the global economy.

Customers play a vital role in the Port and the city’s industrial sector, and we are committed to fostering new trade and business opportunities in the region.

The Corporation is responsible for facilitating trade through the port by effectively managing its marine operations and land-based sources and therefore plays a vital role in facilitating regional trade and business development opportunities.

The Corporation is actively targeting existing and potential clients to retain and expand the Port’s present trade, attract new trades and clients, and diversify the Port’s trade base.