GrainCorp’s Geelong port has just hit one million tonnes exported at the halfway mark in FY25, playing a crucial role in global commodity trade.

Since its inception in 1939, the port has evolved significantly to keep up with the growing export demand.

With major upgrades in the 1950s, ‘80s and ‘90s, the port now spans 40-acres.

With over 700,000 tonnes of storage, seven front-end loaders and a ship loader capable of handling 2,500 tonnes per hour, our Geelong port is no stranger to large volumes of product.

GrainCorp’s Geelong port Site Manager Dylan Clarkson says the Geelong site is key to connecting Australian producers and customers with global markets.

“We loaded around 100 vessels last season, each carrying an average 50,000 tonnes,” Dylan says.

“Plus, over the last four years, we’ve continuously exported two million tonnes a year.”

A versatile team is key to adapting to the fast-paced nature of operations.

“The Geelong team wear many (hard) hats,” says Dylan.

“The port has around 70 truck movements a day – couple that with rail deliveries, and Geelong becomes one of the busiest export terminals on the East Coast,” Dylan says.

Situated close to up-country Victoria, Geelong offers efficiency and speed for growers – and many deliver to the port directly.

“That’s one of the things that makes Geelong so unique – we’re so close to the source of our exports,” says Dylan.

“And it’s not just grain coming through the port – we manage the movement and storage of woodchips and fertiliser.

“It means we’re maximising the port’s infrastructure to drive returns for customers and strengthen our supply chain.”

“We also handle a diverse range of grain and non-grain commodities – including wheat, barley, canola, woodchips and fertiliser,” says Dylan.

“During peak months, the facility operates at full capacity to meet international demand, ensuring Australian agricultural products reach markets worldwide – China, Thailand, Indonesia and the Middle East, to name a few.

“From managing truck and train receivals to coordinating shipping operations, no two days are the same at GrainCorp Geelong.”