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)

This Paper examines the structure and operation of the harbour towage industry in Australia. The results of previous studies are outlined and the characteristics of harbour towage operations are described. Participants affecting the operation of the industry are port authorities, pilots, towage operators, tug crews, shipping lines, shipping agents and shippers.

• Harbour Towage Services in Australian Ports
  
  ip_027.pdf
  (3.64 MB)

In this study the waterfront is defined as consisting of various service establishments involved in the handling of cargo at Australian ports. These include port-related services provided by port authorities, pilotage services, tugboat operations, all stevedoring services and container terminal operations, bulk terminals, customs agency services and the services of the customs and quarantine authorities. The definition also covers bulk storage and container depots even though these operations may occur away from the actual waterfront.

• Economic Significance of the Waterfront
  
  ip_029.pdf
  (4.2 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)

This Paper analyses the economic efficiency of the harbour towage industry in Australia. It follows an earlier BTCE Paper which described the structure and operation of the industry. Analysis includes overseas comparisons, a crosssection model of towage charges and a study of industrial agreements. A survey of the harbour towage industry obtained the views of shipping lines, ships' agents, major shippers and port authorities. Extensive discussions were also held with representatives of these groups and other industry participants.

• Harbour Towage: An Analysis of Industry Performance
  
  op_096.pdf
  (5.9 MB)

This paper contains revision of some data for earlier years as well as statistics for 1985–86 and 1986–87. The paper presents a broad analysis of expenditure and revenue statistics, indicating the major trends in, and patterns of, road expenditure for each level of government in each State.

• Australian Road Financing Statistics 1977–78 to 1986–87
  
  ip_033.pdf
  (10.26 MB)

This paper examines price setting policies and practices of port authorities in Australia. It provides a description of the port industry and an overview of pricing practices, then assesses these practices against various criteria, notably financial balance, economic efficiency and equity. Areas in which an improved outcome might result from the application of economic principles are identified.

• The Pricing of Port Services
  
  op_097.pdf
  (8.21 MB)

This report discusses the effect of Australian flag shipping on the balance of payments (the external account). In preparing the report, the BTCE estimated the 1986–87 contribution to the external account from all Australian shipping operations and evaluated 17 case studies of hypothetical Australian ships in international trades. The case studies were carried out using a ship costing model called BTESHIP and were based on hypothetical new vessels operating with the crew costs and conditions negotiated by the Shipping Reform Task Force (so-called MlDC ships). The case study data were also used to evaluate efficiency in earning foreign exchange with domestic resource cost analysis.

• Australian Shipping and the Balance of Payments
  
  op_099.pdf
  (5.18 MB)

This Paper primarily examines the costs of waterfront unreliability in Australia in 1988 drawing on information provided by shipping companies and on the results of a survey of importers and exporters. It makes no attempt to estimate the extent to which the costs of waterfront unreliability might be reduced or the costs of the measures required to reduce them.

• The Costs of Waterfront Unreliability in 1988
  
  op_101.pdf
  (10.13 MB)