A shortlist of bidders to operate Melbourne's third container terminal has been announced.

A shortlist of four bidders for the right to operate the Port of Melbourne's third international container terminal has been announced.

They are:
* A consortium of CMA CGM SA - ANL Container Line Pty Ltd and Macquarie Specialised Asset Management Ltd;
* Australian International Container Terminals Ltd (a consortium of International Container Terminal Services Inc and Anglo Ports Pty Ltd);
* Hutchison Port Holdings (part of Hutchison Whampoa Ltd); and
* Qube Holdings Ltd.

Port of Melbourne Corporation CEO Stephen Bradford says: "In evaluating the bids we are seeking innovation to deliver higher levels of operational efficiency alongside the requirements to operate a growing port in the middle of one of the nation's largest cities.

"Importantly, we are also seeking commercial returns in line with the significance of this rare opportunity."

The new facility at Melbourne's Webb Dock East is offered as a package of about 30 hectares of waterfront terminal, a utility 'off-dock' area, and an adjoining empty container facility. The new terminal is mandated to provide capacity of at least one million containers a year.

Bidders are required to lodge their proposals in September and the successful bidder is expected to be announced in early 2014.