Total trade through the Port of Melbourne grew 8% in August over the same period last year.

Total trade through the Port of Melbourne grew 8% in August over the same period last year, setting a monthly record of 7.34 million revenue tonnes.

The strong performance was underpinned by a 10.4% increase in container throughput to set a new Australian record of 233,000 TEU.

The record container throughput for August surpasses the previous monthly record of 217,000 TEU, handled in October 2010.

With container growth up 8.5% for the financial year to date, the Port of Melbourne reached a total throughput of 2.43 million TEU for the 12-month period ending 31 August.

"We remain acutely aware of our role as facilitators rather than the generators of the increased trade volume as we contribute to Victoria's prosperity through global trade," says PoMC chief executive officer, Stephen Bradford.

"Double-digit growth highlights a strong trade performance for the Port of Melbourne and we recognise the collective achievements of our customers and stakeholders in setting another Australian trade milestone."