Coastal shipping includes international or Australian flagged vessels from the eastern seaboard to WA. A broad definition of coastal shipping also covers goods moving across Bass Strait via dedicated Australian flagged vessels.
Coastal shipping to WA is serviced by foreign or Australian flagged vessels that provide international services for imports and exports to and from Australia, typically from Asian ports.
There are two primary reasons for this outcome, and why coastal shipping is a more cost-effective option. The first is that the great majority of cargo that moves between the eastern seaboard (Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane) and Perth moves from East to West. There is insufficient demand for goods from Perth to fill a regular vessel and therefore ships would essentially travel back to the East relatively empty. Therefore from a shipping perspective, the opportunity for the international ships to send cargo one way as they make their way around the bottom of Australia is ideal to provide a competitively priced transport service for non-time critical cargo, thus removing the need for a dedicated coastal service.
In the 2013-14 financial year, almost one million metric tonnes of fertiliser was moved on ships between Australian ports. The primary reason why shippers prefer to use sea freight over road and rail is the cost of the door-to-door service. Coastal shipping can offer customers cost savings of 40-50% or even more in the case of very dense cargo like steel products when compared to rail. Even greater savings of 60-65% are achievable when compared to line haul services by road from eastern Australia to WA.
JTM Cargo Management offers east coast sea freight coastal shipping solutions from the ports of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to Fremantle (Perth) as a gateway to the rest of Western Australia. We have the right expertise and logistical network to guide you through the requirements and work with you to provide the right solution.
Containerised and break-bulk consignments
Multiple sailings each week
Covers all major Australian ports, with an option to include the end destination delivery point via road
Significantly reduced costs compared to rail or road transport
Environmentally friendly. Coastal shipping is the lowest carbon-emitting mode of transport on a tonne per kilometer basis versus other modes, according to the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE)
Coastal shipping refers to moving freight between ports in different Australian states and territories using sea vessels. It includes containerised and break-bulk cargo moved across major domestic routes such as the eastern seaboard to Western Australia, as well as services operating across Bass Strait.
In most cases, the terms are used interchangeably. “Domestic sea freight” usually describes freight moved between Australian ports, while “coastal shipping” can also refer to vessels servicing Australian coastal trade lanes as part of wider shipping networks.
Coastal shipping is often the most cost-effective option for long-distance freight, especially when cargo is heavy, dense, or not time-critical. It can also reduce handling risk compared to some overland freight options and provides a reliable alternative when road or rail capacity is limited.
In many cases, yes. Coastal shipping can deliver significant savings compared to long-haul road freight and may also be more cost-effective than rail depending on the lane, cargo density, and handling requirements. Pricing will vary based on volume, weight, timing, and pickup/delivery needs.
Coastal shipping can support a wide range of freight types, including:
Containerised cargo (general freight)
Break-bulk freight (non-containerised items)
Dense/heavy cargo such as steel products
Construction and project freight
Oversized or over-dimensional cargo (where sea transport is suitable)
Yes. Coastal shipping can be a practical option for oversized or over-dimensional freight that may face road and rail restrictions. Sea freight is often simpler and more economical for large cargo because it avoids many of the limitations that apply to overland transport.
We offer coastal shipping solutions from major Australian ports including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, with services to Fremantle (Perth) as a key gateway into Western Australia. Options may also be available for additional ports depending on schedules and vessel services.
Coastal shipping services can operate multiple times per week on key lanes. Sailing frequency depends on the route, vessel schedule, and port operations, and we can recommend the most suitable option based on your freight requirements.
Transit times depend on the sailing schedule, port cut-off times, vessel routing, and whether road transport is included for pickup and final delivery. Non-urgent freight often benefits most from coastal shipping due to the cost savings available on long-distance routes.
Restrictions depend on the vessel service, packaging, and the nature of the goods. Some hazardous or regulated cargo may require additional documentation and approvals. We can confirm requirements during booking to ensure your freight is compliant and moves without delays.