The Port of Newcastle has formally launched the Newcastle Bulk Terminal development, showcasing a $33 million investment in bulk cargo handling equipment, associated infrastructure and additional strategic initiatives.
The investment and initiatives include:
- The creation of the Newcastle Bulk Terminal through the combining of the Kooragang 2 and Kooragang 3 berths under one banner
- Demolition of existing crane unloader infrastructure
- Construction of a new crane unloader and associated infrastructure
- Provision of temporary mobile hopper unloading infrastructure
- Direct provision of environmental services at the terminal by Port of Newcastle
- Implementation of direct management of the terminal by Port of Newcastle, ensuring the core port principle of common user access is maintained
Kooragang 2 and 3 berths are the busiest common user berths in the port, handling fertiliser, meals, alumina, magnetite, cement and a range of bulk liquid commodities. The two existing ship unloaders, which are now over 50 years old, will be dismantled and replaced by a new high capacity ship unloader, conveyor structures, wharf upgrades and electrical system. Mobile hoppers will provide continuity for customers at the terminal while the new equipment is constructed.
Port of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Operations and Infrastructure, Keith Wilks, said the project represented a significant investment by the Port of Newcastle into the next generation in bulk handling infrastructure.
“The Newcastle Bulk Terminal will deliver best practice in safety and environmental management, while driving efficiency and maximising trade growth,” Mr Wilks said.
“We have listened to our customers, who have requested more capacity to grow their cargo volumes, and to the NSW Environment Protection Authority, which wants to see best practice in cargo handling.
“The new equipment will deliver on both fronts, providing state-of-the-art environmental capabilities, and delivering faster unloading to enable customers to access the berth quicker, reducing vessel turnaround times and moving more cargo across the berth.
“The launch of the Newcastle Bulk Terminal is only stage one. Stage two of the Walsh Point Master Plan will include minimising cargo double handling, reducing cargo transfer points and removing trucks from the berths through the use conveyor systems.”
Port of Newcastle’s CEO, Geoff Crowe, said the Port of Newcastle has embarked on an ambitious diversification strategy and the development of the Newcastle Bulk Terminal was a key part of these plans.
“Newcastle is a global gateway for bulk and general cargoes but it needs to continue to diversify. The development of the Newcastle Bulk Terminal is a key component in this strategy, as is the development of a container terminal,”Mr Crowe said.
The port has engaged Kerman Contracting to carry out most of the development including the crane replacement, with electrical work to be performed by Downer EDI. The project is due for completion at the end of 2019.
