The five-port average crane rate declined to 25.8 containers per hour for the September quarter 2001.

The five-port total container traffic increased to 1.740 million TEUs during July–December 2001. Berth availability was 95% in the December quarter.

The five-port total container traffic increased to 1.740 million TEUs during July–December 2001. Berth availability was 95% in the December quarter.

The five-port average crane rate improved from 26.6 in the March quarter to 26.9 containers per hour for the June quarter 2002. This is the highest five-port average crane rate ever recorded in Waterline.

Waterline's format has remained largely unchanged since the first issue was produced in 1994. However, there have been many changes in the maritime industry in that time. The Bureau believes that Waterline needs to change too if it is to remain useful.

In the last issue we announced upcoming changes to Waterline. Work is progressing and we will be inviting key interest groups to comment on the changes.

Readers may be aware that we have been reviewing the indicators used in Waterline.

The BTRE has made significant progress towards developing the new schedule reliability indicator. However, the initial test results raise questions about the reliability of schedule data as well as the reliability of ship arrivals/departures, and will require further investigation.

The 10th anniversary issue of Waterline contains a special feature on the changing face of the waterfront from 1993 to 2004.

This issue contains an article on Australian International Shipping. It summarises Australia's maritime trade 2002–2003, including cargo movements, main trading partners as well as major port activity with the main focus on international trade.