Model of MV Flinders Bay

The international container trade began in Australia in 1969, when the purpose-built containership, MV Encounter Bay – sister ship of MV Flinders Bay, seen here – berthed at Fremantle. 
 
In preparation for containerisation, between 1965 and 1969, Fremantle Port Authority extended the inner harbour and created a specialised container terminal. The terminal featured a new locally-built container crane, that was said to be the largest of its kind in the world. It’s design was later replicated in other Australian capital ports.

Visit the Fremantle Ports website to watch a video about 50 years of containerisation at Fremantle.