Fremantle Rail Interchange project cuts truck traffic

Fremantle Rail Interchange project is at the centre of DP World’s new rail investment in Western Australia.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Construction is already under way on the approximately $18 million upgrade to strengthen the state’s freight network and support long-term economic growth, as detailed in DP World’s official announcement.

Rail gate connection between DP World and North Quay Rail Terminal

The project will deliver a new dedicated rail gate connection linking DP World’s Fremantle container operations directly with the North Quay Rail Terminal. By tightening this interface inside the port precinct, the upgrade is expected to streamline container transfers and remove more than 20,000 truck movements a year from internal port roads, easing congestion around Fremantle Port and improving road safety.

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At the same time, the Western Australia freight rail upgrade aims to shift more freight from road to rail by increasing the share of containers moved by train from 22% to 33% of total freight volume. This modal shift is expected to boost supply chain efficiency and sustainability across Western Australia’s freight network by cutting emissions, reducing road wear and offering more cost-effective logistics options for exporters and importers.

Government–industry partnership for Western Australia’s freight network

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti presents the Fremantle Rail Interchange as a clear example of collaboration between the State Government and the private sector to deliver modern, sustainable freight infrastructure for Western Australia. She notes that the investment supports the government’s vision for a more efficient and sustainable freight network that underpins the state’s economy and creates quality local jobs.

According to Minister Saffioti, moving more freight by rail out of Fremantle Port will help cut congestion, improve road safety and lower emissions, while reinforcing Fremantle’s role as a key gateway for trade and employment in the state. She also points out that the project will assist in managing traffic during the upcoming closure of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge by reducing heavy truck movements in and around the port precinct.

DP World’s broader port infrastructure and rail upgrade program

Nicolaj Noes, Executive Vice President, Oceania at DP World, said the company is committed to building a more connected and efficient logistics network for Western Australia. In his view, the new rail gate connection will improve the reliability and efficiency of rail operations at North Quay, making it easier for customers to move cargo sustainably and cost-effectively and illustrating how government and industry can work together on infrastructure that improves productivity and reduces costs, a point also noted by PortCalls.

During both construction and ongoing operation, the Fremantle Rail Interchange will create over 50 direct and indirect local jobs, while enhancing Fremantle’s competitiveness and trade efficiency.

The project also forms part of DP World’s wider port infrastructure investment in Australia, a nearly $1 billion commitment to upgrade port facilities by 2028 through national projects that enhance rail connectivity, lift operational efficiency and strengthen supply chain resilience, a broader investment trend that has been discussed by Railway Supply.

Together, these initiatives tighten integration between DP World’s ports, rail, landside logistics and warehousing operations, creating a more connected, multimodal network that offers smarter, faster and more reliable freight pathways for customers.

Across Australia and New Zealand, DP World operates at more than 70 sites, supports more than 4,500 local jobs and works with over 2,500 Australian businesses, underlining the wider impact of the Fremantle Rail Interchange project on regional trade flows.

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