Delivering a Customised Lubrication & Workshop Support Solution for Australia’s First Fully Automated Container Terminal

The Container Terminal was appointed by the Port of Melbourne to design, construct and operate Australia’s first fully automated container terminal.

Client Victorian International Container Terminal

Industry Port and Maritime Infrastructure

Location Victoria

Solution Customised Lubrication Sytem

Project Overview

The Victorian International Container Terminal (VICT), appointed by the Port of Melbourne, was developed as Australia’s first fully automated container terminal. Located on the bay side of the West Gate Bridge, the facility provides improved efficiency for import and export operations through advanced automation and modern port infrastructure.

To support the terminal’s automated straddle carrier operations, A-FLO Equipment was engaged to design and manufacture a specialised lubrication and servicing solution. The project required a customised approach due to the unique servicing requirements, equipment height constraints and challenging coastal environment.

A-FLO Equipment delivered a purpose-built oil management system designed to improve servicing efficiency, protect critical assets and support reliable terminal operations.

The Challenge

The automated container terminal required a specialised lubrication solution capable of supporting large-scale straddle carrier maintenance while operating in a demanding port environment.

Key requirements included:

Customised servicing infrastructure for elevated equipment
Safe and efficient lubricant storage near a coastal environment
Reliable oil distribution for heavy-duty machinery
Integrated waste oil collection and storage
Durable equipment suitable for continuous operations

Due to the height of the straddle carriers, standard hose reel mounting solutions were unsuitable. A-FLO was required to engineer customised gantry systems to safely position servicing hose reels and control guns for efficient maintenance access.

Our Solution

A-FLO Equipment designed, manufactured and installed a complete lubrication infrastructure solution tailored specifically for VICT’s operational requirements.

Custom Lubrication & Fluid Management System/h3>

The installation included:

Bulk oil storage tanks
Custom-built lube storage container
Waste oil evacuation and storage system
Oil reticulation system pipework and equipment
Custom-made oil storage shed

Due to the terminal’s close proximity to the water, A-FLO designed a dedicated Lube Container to safely house bulk oil storage tanks, providing additional protection against environmental exposure while maintaining efficient access for servicing operations.

Custom Hose Reel Gantry System

To overcome the unique height requirements of the straddle carriers, A-FLO engineered customised hose reel gantries designed specifically for the terminal’s servicing needs.

The system provides:

Elevated hose reel mounting points
Improved technician access
Efficient lubricant dispensing
Safe and organised servicing operations

Compressed Air System

To support workshop and maintenance requirements, A-FLO supplied and installed a complete compressed air solution featuring:.

Compressor package
Compressed air distribution system
Integrated workshop air infrastructure

Project Delivery

A-FLO Equipment managed the complete project delivery, from engineering design through to manufacturing, installation and commissioning.

The project included:

Custom system design and engineering
Manufacture of specialised storage infrastructure
Installation of oil storage and reticulation systems
Custom hose reel gantry fabrication
Compressed air system installation
Final commissioning and operational handover

Project Outcomes

The completed solution has provided VICT with a reliable and purpose-built lubrication infrastructure that delivers:

Efficient servicing of automated container handling equipment
Secure bulk lubricant storage
Improved maintenance workflow
Safe waste oil management
Enhanced operational reliability
A customised solution engineered specifically for port operations

Complete Workshop & Lubrication Solutions from A-FLO Equipment

From bulk lubricant storage and oil reticulation systems to specialised industrial servicing solutions, A-FLO Equipment designs and delivers engineered solutions that improve efficiency, safety and asset performance across Australia's transport, logistics, mining and industrial sectors.

One Partner. Every Solution. Nationwide.