The Port of Port Hedland in Western Australia has awarded two contracts totalling $30 million to replace aging channel markers offshore and within the Port.
Austral Construction has been awarded a contract to replace 35 offshore navigation aids while Total AMS won the contract to replace three land-based navigation aids at the Port of Port Hedland.
Minister for Transport in WA, Rita Saffioti, said the channel marker replacement program will ensure the ongoing safe and reliable navigation system for vessels entering and departing port waters for the next 25 years.
“As most of the navigation aids are between 28 and 40 years old, and have exceeded their design life, the program will reduce the risk of these critical structures failing and negatively impacting on vessel operations,” Ms Saffioti said.
“The replacement program will also comply with current maritime standards and industry best practice for aids to navigation and improved structural integrity and maintainability of the navigation aids.”
Austral Construction is set to design, supply and install 35 new channel markers to replace the existing offshore channel markers. Construction works are due to commence in early 2018.
Total AMS will replace three landside navigation aids, with works due to commence in December 2017.
Port operations will not be affected during construction.
