Detailed definitions for the Waterline stevedoring productivity indicators are included in this edition.

Berth availability was 99 per cent in the March quarterthe highest level since the commencement of the series.

The five-port average crane rate has improved further to 26.8 containers per hour for the June quarter 2001.

The five-port average crane rate declined to 25.8 containers per hour for the September quarter 2001.

The five-port total container traffic increased to 1.740 million teus during July–December 2001. Berth availability was 95 per cent in the December quarter.

The five-port total container traffic increased to 1.740 million teus during July–December 2001. Berth availability was 95 per cent in the December quarter.

The five-port average crane rate improved from 26.6 in the March quarter to 26.9 containers per hour for the June quarter 2002. This is the highest five-port average crane rate ever recorded in Waterline.

Waterline's format has remained largely unchanged since the first issue was produced in 1994. However, there have been many changes in the maritime industry in that time.

The Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics is very pleased to inaugurate this new information product.

In the last issue we announced upcoming changes to Waterline. Work is progressing and we will be inviting key interest groups to comment on the changes.