Newcastle Bulk Terminal raises the bar

(Posted on 08/06/18)

Newcastle Bulk Terminal raises the bar

The Port of Newcastle is demonstrating its commitment to the diversified trades of the Port by formally launching the Newcastle Bulk Terminal at Walsh Point, Kooragang Island.

The launch of the Terminal showcases a $33 million investment made by the Port of Newcastle in bulk cargo handling equipment, associated infrastructure and additional strategic initiatives.

The investment and initiatives include:

The creation of the Newcastle Bulk Terminal through the combining of the Kooragang 2 and Kooragang 3 berths under one banner;
Demolition of existing crane unloader infrastructure;
Construction of a new crane unloader and associated infrastructure;
Provision of temporary mobile hopper unloading infrastructure;
Direct provision of environmental services at the Terminal by Port of Newcastle; and
Implementation of direct management of the Terminal by Port of Newcastle, ensuring the core port principle of common user access is maintained.

Kooragang 2 and 3 berths are the busiest common user berths in the Port, handling fertiliser, meals, alumina, magnetite, cement and a range of bulk liquid commodities. The two existing ship unloaders, which are now over 50 years old, will be dismantled and replaced by a new high capacity ship unloader, conveyor structures, wharf upgrades and electrical system. Mobile hoppers will provide continuity for customers at the Terminal while the new equipment is constructed.

Port of Newcastle's Executive Manager Operations and Infrastructure, Keith Wilks, said the project represented a significant investment by the Port of Newcastle into the next generation in bulk handling infrastructure.

"The Newcastle Bulk Terminal will deliver best practice in safety and environmental management, while driving efficiency and maximising trade growth.

"We have listened to our customers, who have requested more capacity to grow their cargo volumes, and to the NSW Environment Protection Authority, which wants to see best practice in cargo handling. The new equipment will deliver on both fronts, providing state-of-the-art environmental capabilities, and delivering faster unloading to enable customers to access the berth quicker, reducing vessel turnaround times and moving more cargo across the berth.

"The launch of the Newcastle Bulk Terminal is only Stage 1. Stage 2 of the Walsh Point Master Plan will include minimising cargo double handling, reducing cargo transfer points and removing trucks from the berths through the use conveyor systems," said Wilks.

Also at the Port of Newcastle, following an extensive recruitment process, the appointment of Craig Carmody as incoming Chief Executive Officer has been announced.

Carmody has a deep understanding of the Australian transport and maritime industry, having led the strategic direction of Svitzer Australia in both a domestic and global context. Before joining Svitzer, he worked as a senior government adviser in transport and infrastructure, including in the Offices of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure.

Carmody said "I am delighted to join the world's largest coal export port. I look forward to leading the organisation and working with the team at the Port of Newcastle and all its stakeholders to progress the Port's diversification agenda, including the development of a container terminal, to ensure regional growth and an efficient freight and logistics network for NSW."

He will take over from Geoff Crowe, who has led the organisation for 3 years.