Station Pier operations update

Article Date: 11/11/2020

Vessel due alongside

On Thursday 12 November 2020, the Maltese registered MV Forte semi-submersible, heavy lift vessel is due to berth at Station Pier Outer West berth. During the short time the vessel will be alongside it will undergo a coastal strip inspection by officers from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

The MV Forte may take on some stores during her stay at the pier. The vessel will then depart for the Port Phillip Bay anchorage. Over the following days the MV Forte will load the Noble Tom Prosser, a drilling rig being repositioned from the Gippsland coast to another drill field on the Australian coast.

The Noble Tom Prosser entered Port Phillip Bay on 3 November 2020 and is anchored in the centre of the bay. For more details, read the VPCM Notice to Mariners 305(T)-2020 (PDF).

Station Pier remains closed to public access

This is due to:

  • the repair and maintenance program underway on the pier
  • the continuing restrictions on community movement and activity as part of the State of Emergency in Victoria
  • the ongoing operations of the TT-Line Bass Strait ferry that require the isolation of crew members and their working area from the general public.

The operations of TT-Line are continuing as scheduled.

At this time, there are no cruise vessels booked to call at Station Pier until January 2021. Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) (VPCM) is continuing the normal program of repair and maintenance.

Compliance with Australian and Victorian government requirements

The operations of vessels in the port of Melbourne are monitored by Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE). DAWE is responsible for biosecurity and together with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services is ensuring that the vessels comply with the applicable Australian and Victorian government legislation, regulations and directions.

VPCM is complying with the extant Australian and Victorian government legislation and regulations.

Station Pier operations update