The shipping platform

Location: The port of Sydney is located on the E coast of Australia. General overview: A natural harbour, the port of Sydney handles a variety of cargoes and is an important port of call for the passenger trades. Most services, including ship repairs, are available. With a total harbour area of over 5,500ha and 10,000m of quayage, the city has ensured it remains the busiest NSW port in terms of shipping movements, whilst catering for the most varied trade, which includes petroleum products, dry bulk, general cargo and containers. See separate entry for Botany Bay, which is expected to handle most of Sydney's shipping within the next few years. Traffic figures: Approx 29,200,000t of cargo, including 1,778,000TEU, 2,600 vessels call and 250,000 passengers handled annually. Load line zone: Summer. Max size: Draught 13.7m. Largest vessel handled: "Iron Pacific", 231,851DWT, LOA 315m.