Shallow channel has some ships leaving Melbourne half full

A LACK of channel depth has resulted in two containerships leaving the Port of Melbourne with less than full loads in June.

Despite some vessels leaving half full, the port in July handled a record 188,000 boxes, up 16 per cent over the same month a year ago, reports the Melbourne Age.

"Our exports are unable to leave this country efficiently because of the draught," said Port of Melbourne Corporation CEO Stephen Bradford.

Draught-constrained shipping is up from 35 per cent and 41 per cent in the two previous quarters, reports The Melbourne Age.

Export containers weigh 16-18 tonnes, compared with 9-10 tonnes for imports.

Environmental groups oppose dredging because the blasting and the creation of toxic plumes that will have an adverse impact on marine life.

But Mr Bradford was confident that the corporation would gain approval to proceed with an A$763 million (US$631.29 million) plan to deepen the shipping channel to a minimum draft of 14 metres, up from the present 11.6 metres.

"We're very hopeful the state and federal government approval will follow soon after the panel report is issued," Mr Bradford said.