The last 40 years have seen great changes to the Port, with its transformation from a river port to a world-class deep-water facility. Forming the Port of Brisbane precinct in the mid 1970’s , as well as developing Fisherman Islands as the future hub of port activities, were amongst the most inspirational and pivotal engineering decisions of the post-war era.
Brisbane’s first exports were shipments of timber from local pine and cedar forests during the early days of European settlement. The logs were rafted down the river and across Moreton Bay to Dunwich (North Stradbroke Island), where sailing ships would load the cargo and head for Sydney.
Patrick Container Terminals introduced automated straddle carriers at berths 7, 8 and 9.
On 1 July 2010 the Queensland Government transferred all operating rights associated with the Port of Brisbane to a new operating company - the Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL).
Brisbane becomes the first port in Australia where all stevedores use automated container handling equipment following the official opening of the Hutchison Port Holdings-operated Brisbane Container Terminal at berths 11 and 12.
PBPL receives approval to deliver the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal – the first dedicated cruise facility in south-east Queensland able to accommodate mega cruise ships.