The facility includes a 35-m floating pontoon and a 42-m gangway which can berth up to two tugs (source: Port of Mackay)
This is the largest in a series of recent investments totalling US$17M, aimed at improving the port’s infrastructure and boosting port capacity
In addition to the tug berth facility, Wharf 1 and 4 will see upgrades, seawall repairs and essential maintenance dredging.
North Queensland Bulk Ports chief executive Nicolas Fertin said Pacific Marine Group recently completed the new facility, supporting local jobs by using regional and local contractors in the construction.
The dedicated tug berth facility is located inside the secure port area and will cater to the existing tug fleet and provides flexibility for future growth. The facility includes a 35-m floating pontoon and a 42-m gangway which can berth up to two large, powerful tugs. Two pilot boat berths have also been included.
Australia’s Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the US$8.5M investment had supported 60 jobs in regional Queensland.
“The Port of Mackay has smashed out a record year of trade, proving just how strong Queensland’s export market is,” Mr Bailey said.
“Having the new tug berth facilities on site will position the Port to take advantage of the new and diversified trade opportunities in the region, including rail and renewables. Construction also utilised local and regional contractors to ensure the economic dividends of this multi-million-dollar project are returned to regional communities.”
From 2021-2022, the Port announced a new trade record of 3.6M throughput tonnes, breaking the previous high of 3.3M tonnes from 2012-2013, a 12.7% increase on the figures for 2020-2021.
Pacific Marine Group operations manager Christo Wessels added, “Our team did a brilliant job considering the challenges along the way including Covid shutdowns, which placed a strain on material supply chains, and the availability of qualified tradespeople.”
Works now continue to progress on the Port’s US$4M Wharf 5 upgrades. Queensland-based contractor V2R Projects is replacing the western access deck after 35 years of service.
