TasPorts releases its vision for $150m makeover at the Port of Hobart

TasPorts is pushing its case for $150m in funding to redevelop the Port of Hobart so it can take Oasis cruise ships, export more logs and containers and develop a Antarctic precinct. Details >>

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TASPORTS has released its $150m vision for the redevelopment of Macquarie Wharf to enable growth in the Antarctic program, the cruise ship market and log and container exports.

TasPorts said positioning the Port of Hobart as the international gateway to the Southern Ocean was the main objective of the redevelopment.

At its heart is the building of a 720m continuos quay line at the Macquarie wharves. The works will allow Oasis cruise vessels to berth making Hobart only the third Australian port to be able to accept the ships after Brisbane and Darwin.

The Port of Hobart. Picture: TasPorts/Rob Burnett

TasPorts said the redevelopment would also meet the needs of boutique/expedition cruise vessels and prepare Hobart for the delivery of the Australian Antarctic Division’s new 160.3m icebreaker the RSV Nuyina.

The Hobart Port was included in Infrastructure Australia’s Priority List 2021 and TasPorts said that recognition backed its commitment to “future-proof” the State’s ports. Infrastructure Australia said the condition of Macquarie Wharfs 4, 5 and 6 was limiting tourism growth, trade and the Antarctic exploration sector.

“The wharf assets are approaching end of life and require significant maintenance each year to sustain a minimal service level,” the report said.

TasPorts chief operating officer Stephen Casey said the critical component of the initiative – with a $150m cost estimate on initial planning and scoping – was the development of a 720m continuous quay line at Macquarie Wharf 4, 5 and 6.

MacWharf redevelopment plans. Photo: TasPorts

It is anticipated the delivery of an Antarctic Precinct will generate up to $3.3m in additional expenditure from Antarctic ships annually.

“The Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment will also facilitate solutions for a variety of industries including bulk log exports, container exports, bulk fuel imports, and commercial fishing, as well as the tourism sector,” Mr Casey said.

“The delivery of this initiative will see three multi-user berths constructed at one of the deepest sheltered ports in the southern hemisphere. It is also expected to generate up to 1000 jobs during the construction phase.

“Our next step is to further engage with industry and to develop a compelling business case.”