$1bn Port Botany project enters new phase

Chief executive Grant Gilfillan said that 10 of the 20-metre high counterfort units have been lowered into place for the 1.85km-long wharf where ships will berth when the third terminal is completed in 2011.

"Sydney Ports aims to increase the volume of full container exports especially from regional areas of NSW and this massive expansion project is a major part of that plan," Mr Gilfillan said.

"The new terminal will provide additional capacity to meet projected long-term trade growth for Sydney and provide better access to shipping lines."

In 2008/09, Port Botany handled a record 1.784m teu.

Senior Sydney Ports executives visited the Riverina region of south-western New South Wales earlier this month in an effort to woo its local agricultural exporters.

Joint venture Baulderstone and Jan De Nul won the bid to design and build the terminal.