Port Open Access Arrangements for vessels, stevedores and short-term property licences
Port of Newcastle is committed to ensuring transparent and open access to the land side and port side services and facilities provided by it at the Port.
The Port has accordingly established the following open access arrangements for users:
Vessel Open Access Terms
If you are the owner, operator or charterer of a vessel and wish to obtain access to the Port’s channel and berthing facilities please view the Vessel Open Access Terms.
Terms and Conditions of entry to and use of the Port
A binding legal contract will automatically bind the Vessel Operator and Port of Newcastle with respect to the Vessel’s entry to and use of the Port by way of, and as soon as, the Vessel enters the Port Channel (Contract).
The terms and conditions of the Contract will comprise the particulars set out in the Master’s Declaration and the Vessel Standard Terms and Conditions, subject to any Special Conditions.
By entering the Port Channel, the Vessel Operator will be deemed to have accepted, agreed to, and be bound by, the terms and conditions of the Contract. If the Vessel Operator does not agree to be bound by the terms of the Contract, the Vessel must not enter the Port Channel.
The terms of the Contract cannot be varied unless a variation to the Contract is provided for in any Special Conditions signed by the parties.
Port rules
Under the terms of the Contract, the Vessel Operator must comply with the following Port Rules in respect of the Vessel’s visit to the Port:
- any rules or requirements of PANSW, including the Vessel Arrival System Rules, published on the Port Authority of New South Wales website as amended from time to time
- any rules or requirements set out in the Port of Newcastle’s Access Induction
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- If relevant, obtain approval for the any Filming, Photography or Drones usage.
Vessel Operators and their Agents should monitor this section of our website, as well as the Port Authority of NSW website, for any changes or variations to the Port Rules, including any new rules.
Dispute resolution
Port of Newcastle is committed to resolving all Disputes proactively and constructively.
A Vessel Operator who wishes to raise a Dispute with Port of Newcastle must do so within 3 months after the circumstance giving rise to that Dispute by providing written notice to Port of Newcastle for the purpose of endeavouring to resolve the Dispute.
Resolution of the Dispute will be governed by the Port of Newcastle Dispute Resolution Procedures.
Stevedoring Open Access Terms for Common User Berths
Port of Newcastle encourages competition in the provision of stevedoring services from the Common User Berths (currently Kooragang 2 and 3, Mayfield 4, Dyke 1 and 2, and Western Basin 3 and 4 berths). Port of Newcastle accordingly offers access to stevedores to the Common User Berths on an open access basis. Port of Newcastle continues to offer open access for stevedores to the Common User Berths on the terms set out in its Master Stevedoring Licence Deed. Stevedore’s who enter into the Master Stevedoring Licence Deed with Port of Newcastle will be granted access to the Common User Berths by way of periodic contractual licences to enable those licences stevedores to provide stevedoring related activities to their customer vessels.
The Newcastle Bulk Terminal Rules and Newcastle Multipurpose Terminal Rules ensure the most efficient and productive use of Terminal berths and access for all users.
Property and Trade Short Term Licences
Port of Newcastle welcomes approaches from prospective users of Port land to obtain access to Port land and facilities for uses such as cargo assembly/disassembly and storage. If you would like to apply to Port of Newcastle to enter into a short term licence arrangement to occupy and use Port land for your business needs, read more about Property and Trade Short-term Licences.
