WATCH: Mega delivery of coal haulage wagons at Mackay port

More than 60 wagons have been delivered and unloaded over two days

AUSTRALIA'S largest rail freight company has made a further $50 million investment in Central Queensland.

Aurizon has purchased 264 coal haulage wagons, worth a combined $50 million, to boost its existing fleet.

Built in China, they each have a lifespan of about 30 years.

More than 60 of the wagons were delivered and unloaded at the Port of Mackay over the past two days.

Aurizon coal group executive Ed McKeiver said the wagons would be added to the local rail system to support growth and new contracts.

DELIVERY: A crane moving a coal haulage wagon from a ship at the Port of Mackay. Picture: Melanie Whiting

"To support new contracts we've won over the past 12 months or so, we've had to increase the size of our fleet," Mr McKeiver said.

After being unloaded, the wagons will be taken to Paget via rail where they will then be commissioned.

From there, they will be put into service in the local rail system to haul coal for Dalrymple Bay and Hay Point Coal Terminals, routinely travelling to the Bowen Basin.

DELIVERY: North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation general manager of trade and marine operations, Brendan Webb, and Aurizon coal group executive Edward McKeiver with the coal haulage wagons at the Port of Mackay. Picture: Melanie Whiting

"We're proud to have chosen the Port of Mackay to unload these wagons as we like to support the communities and local economy," Mr McKeiver said.

"Aurizon is investing in the coal industry for the long-term. These wagons will go into service railing metallurgical coal for steel making."

With 66 wagons delivered, the other 198 will arrive at the port in the coming months. 

North Queensland Bulk Ports chief executive Nicolas Fertin said the Port of Mackay was ideally located for businesses to capitalise on trade opportunities as it offered the region's resource sector a primary link to the rest of the world.

"NQBP is actively pursuing growth opportunities at the Port of Mackay which has seen a strong start to 2020 with 6 breakbulk ships expected to discharge/load for the month of January," he said.

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