The objectives of this study were to review developments in world container shipping and establish the main trends in the deep sea trades. This will in turn provide background to the BTE's own studies of liner shipping and the review of shipping policy now taking place in Australia. Having established the trends in individual sectors using established material, the attempt has been made to draw the threads together, to offer interpretations of the scale and dynamics of the process of transition now taking place within the industry, and to consider the nature of the important issues now facing it.

• Container Shipping in Transition
  
  op_077.pdf
  (5.9 MB)

This study analyses the efficiency of the Australian liner shipping industry by using the recently developed theory of contestable markets. Its importance is reflected in the fact that over half of Australia's ocean borne trade is carried by the liner sector. Its topicality flows from both the global issues of legislative initiatives, increased political interference, technological and organisational changes and overtonnaging and from the singularly Australian concerns of service dependability, shore-based costs, trade union influence, the attitudes of shippers and the role of the ANL.

• Contestability and the Australian Liner Trades
  
  op_078.pdf
  (8.88 MB)

In July 1984, the Federal Bureau of Transport Economics organised a seminar to enable the problems of the shore-based shipping industry to be discussed by its senior representatives. The seminar delegates agreed that there was a need for a review of shore-based shipping operations and subsequently the Federal Minister for Transport, the Hon. Peter Morris MHR, established an Industry Task Force on Shore-based Shipping Costs which reported in June 1986. The Bureau provided research support to the Task Force, and this Paper is based on the results of that research and some further analysis.

• Shore-Based Shipping Costs, Non-Bulk Cargo
  
  op_080.pdf
  (13.99 MB)

In mid-l986 the Federal Bureau of Transport Economics engaged consultant Travers Morgan Pty Ltd to undertake a review of minerals transport in Australia. The objectives of the review were to describe the nature of mineral freight movements in Australia; to identify and assess relevant sources of data; to provide data on mineral movements by mode, origin and destination for the years 1980–81 to 1984–85; and to identify and critically assess possible methodologies for updating mineral freight movements at a later date.

• Transport of Australia's Minerals
  
  ip_020.pdf
  (6.07 MB)

This Paper discusses the current situation and problems of Australian Port Authorities, particularly in the light of the limited amount of competition imposed by the economies of scale inherent in modern cargo-handling technologies, whether for bulk cargoes or for containers.

• Port Authorities in Australia
  
  op_084.pdf
  (5.62 MB)

On 11 September 1985, Terms of Reference directing the Bureau of Transport Economics to undertake an assessment of the costs and benefits of closing Australian National's Tasmanian rail system were announced. This Paper provides details of freight projections derived from an examination of the future prospects for those industries using rail services within Tasmania.

• Tasmanian Industry Outlook: Implications for Tasrail
  
  ip_024.pdf
  (4.69 MB)

In December 1986, the Australian Transport Advisory Council (ATAC) sought the assistance of the Bureau of Transport Economics in undertaking a review of transport research in Australia. The aims of the resulting study carried out by the Bureau were to identify the nature and extent of current Australian transport research, to assess priority areas for future research and to address coordination issues pertinent to delivery of an effective research effort. Following consideration at the December 1987 meeting of ATAC the results of the review are to be used as a basis for discussion at a seminar on transport research to be convened early in 1988.

• Shore-Based Shipping Costs: Transport and Handling of Bulk Cargo
  
  ip_026.pdf
  (3.74 MB)

The discussion of domestic aviation issues in Australia has historically focused on the passenger market. This reflects the dominance of passenger transport in the operations of the domestic airlines and the relatively small proportion of domestic cargo that is carried by air. Despite this emphasis on passenger operations, the Commonwealth Government has implemented regulations specifically directed at air cargo and the major airlines have evolved separate strategies for cargo traffic in recent years. Cargo is now an important element of Australia's domestic aviation industry and is a significant source of income for several carriers. This Paper presents the findings of a BTE study of the domestic air cargo industry in Australia.

• Domestic Air Cargo Industry in Australia
  
  op_087.pdf
  (5.59 MB)

The Paper presents an analysis of the changes in the size and distribution of the world fleet over the period 1970 to 1987. A comparison of the world fleet and bulk ships visiting Australia in 1985–86 is also presented. Also included is a forecast of the future size and distribution of the world fleet under a range of assumptions. Australia's export of major bulk commodities in terms of volume (coal, iron ore and grains) is dependent on the services provided by the world dry bulk fleet. This Paper provides an analysis of the supply characteristics of these ships.

• Characteristics and Cost Structure of the Bulk Shipping Fleet
  
  op_093.pdf
  (12.84 MB)

Changes in the markets for Australia's refrigerated exports have created pressures on cargo facilities on ships and at ports. This demand has led some exporters to express concern at the difficulties in obtaining sufficient cargo space, particularly during the peak season. This Paper aims to provide an overview of the seaborne export of refrigerated goods, identify whether problems exist and their magnitudes, and explore possible future directions for change.

• Shortages in Refrigerated Shipping
  
  op_094.pdf
  (6.03 MB)