New $82m shiploader for the Port of Burnie unveiled
With controversy surrounding the Devonport berth for the TT-Line ferries, at least one piece of port infrastructure has been delivered on time and within budget.
Tasmania
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In terms of complexity, TasRail Chair Stephen Cantwell says that construction of the new $82m Port of Burnie shiploader was “right up there”.
“It wasn’t easy to deliver,” Mr Cantwell said.
“The extent to which TasRail has been able to deliver it within the agreed budget envelope and in the time frame promised is largely a reflection of the quality of the people inside the organisation.
“As a mainlander, I’m continually amazed and inspired by the extent to which TasRail people and Tasmanians in general – I don’t know what it is, maybe it’s some sort of inferiority complex – but they always punch above their weight.”
The new shiploader was officially opened and unveiled at the Port of Burnie on Tuesday morning, replacing the previous one that had been in operation since 1968.
The success of the project is in stark contrast to the Devonport berth upgrade needed for the new TT-line ferries, which will not be built in time for the new Spirit ships due in 2025.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the new infrastructure would boost the confidence of industries in the region that want to export their goods to the mainland or overseas.
“We’re very lucky to have diverse opportunities when it comes to our economic development here: forestry, mining, agriculture and aquaculture; we’re very fortunate.”
TasRail CEO Steven Dietrich said the new shiploader would operate at a higher level than the old one.
“This machine takes us to 2000 tonnes per hour; the original machine probably operated at 1000 tonnes per hour – so more efficient, more productive, and with the latest safety and environmental feature,” Mr Dietrich said.
“It will also facilitate the future expansion of large vessels.
“Most of our vessels at the moment are ones you’d classify as handymax vessels, and we’ll be able to accommodate Panamax vessels in the future.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King hoped the new shiploader would last at least 50 years.
“It’s not just about the shiploader,” Ms King said.
“We’ve also got the hub where we can also transport goods from there, which is really about getting more of our commodities, more of our minerals, on to rails – so we’re not seeing so many trucks on the road here.
“So this is a great freight story, but also a great story for the economy here.”
Originally published as New $82m shiploader for the Port of Burnie unveiled
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