Changes sail in at Port of Geelong

VICTORIAN Regional Channels Authority has moved to new headquarters in North Geelong, in a strategic move which brings the authority’s marine expertise together under the one roof.

The move coincides with the announcement of Captain David Shennan as the new marine manager and harbour master for the Port of Geelong.

Located in the Federal Mills precinct, Victorian Regional Channels Authority’s new headquarters will now contain harbour control for Geelong’s port waters, as well as the authority’s head office.

The Port of Geelong’s harbour control was previously based at GeelongPort’s Corio Quay office.

The move will also coincide with VRCA starting the roll-out of a state-of-the-art Marine Traffic Management System.

The new system will improve VRCA’s ability to ensure that all vessels, including recreational vessels, safely navigate the port waters of Geelong.

When fully implemented it will provide improved harbour control with complete awareness of vessel movement across Corio Bay.

VRCA chief executive officer Michael Harvey said the move was an exciting and logical step for VRCA, which had been located in Ryrie Street in the Geelong CBD for the past nine years.

“The new headquarters brings together all of our marine expertise under the one roof. It will be more effective and efficient with clear operational and management accountability.

“Importantly, this new location gives us a clear line of sight to the shipping channels we manage.” Mr Harvey also welcomed Captain Shennan to his new role.

“Captain Shennan brings a wealth of experience to the role, being a master mariner and having previously served as the harbour master at the Ports of Portland and Melbourne,” he said.

“He was previously deputy chief executive and harbour master at Harwich Haven Authority in the United Kingdom and we’re delighted to welcome a mariner of his calibre to Geelong.”

Port of Geelong harbour control is responsible for directing shipping and monitoring ship positions in and out of the Port of Geelong, Victoria’s premier bulk port and the state’s second largest port.

The Port of Geelong provides a key gateway to the world for the regional businesses, industries and farmers across Victoria, generating $400 million of economic activity annually and managing more than $7 billion of trade.