Australian Ports News Vol 5 No 17

November/December 2016 Volume 5 No. 17

Print Post 100005587

Circulated to key personnel within all Australian Port Authorities and Associated Port Industries throughout Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea Ports

Mobile Conveying Services solves Eden Port woodchip loading crisis

Please see our editorial and advertisement on pages 8 and 9 Please see our advertisement and editorial on page 3

Australian Ports News

South Port’s intermodal freight centre opens in Invercargill

T

HE ribbon has been cut on South Port’s intermodal freight centre, a development which is set to increase efficiency for the region’s exports.

Speaking to the official opening recently, South Port chairman Rex Chapman said South Port was reacting to the growth in the regions, and in Southland. “This facility provides some real diversification for this business.�

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said the centre would benefit Southland as a whole.

The region’s aluminium, agriculture and forestry outputs would all benefit from the centre, he said. “The real benefits of this over time are going to be very strong.�

Bridges acknowledged that Southland already exported 70 per cent of its GDP. New Zealand was the most remote developed country in the world, and relative to a small population, was not going to get wealthy “by selling to itself�. “We need to be better than the rest, and you [Southland] actually are.�

South Port chief executive Mark O’Connor said the centre, on Mersey St, was South Port’s first permanent operating “footprint� in the Invercargill CBD. Export packing options could be explored over time, O’Connor said. “At the moment, our focus is providing an effective cargo flow through process.�

On Board When timing, precision and efficiency is paramount

3

Cargo Liquefaction a problem for bulk terminals, warns ABTO Chief

4

Keeping afloat in a changing sea

5

York Civil delivers Broome WEOL project ahead of schedule

6

Specialised heavy equipment supplied by McCorry Brown

7

Mobile Conveying Services solves Eden Port woodchip load crisis

8

AMG Winyama - First up success spurs demand for Berkeley Class pilot boat

Above: South Port chairman Rex Chapman, Transport Minister Simon Bridges and South Port chief executive Mark O’Connor open South Port’s intermodal freight centre in Invercargill recently

$6 Million in Civils goes to local contractor

D

ARWIN PORT is pleased to award civil construction works at its East Arm Wharf to local construction company, Rusca Bros Service Pty Ltd.

Chief Executive Terry O’Connor said “it was a really competitive process and so pleasing to see such high quality interest from local Territory contractors. Darwin Port is focussed on continuing to invest in the local economy – we want to ensure we have a positive influence on jobs.�

The civils work is part of the construction of the Refrigerated Container Park and the Strategic Hardstand Development, announced

with the release of the Port Development Plan 2016 in May this year. “We’re keen to just get on with the work to stay genuine in our commitment to develop port infrastructure to support our current and emerging industry sectors,� said Mr O’Connor.

Construction is expected to commence in mid-August, with the completed Refrigerated Container Park in full operation in December.

The facility will significantly increase refrigerated container capability at East Arm Wharf to better service Northern Australia’s horticulture, aquaculture and agricultural industries, exporting into South East Asia.

10-11

Port Development Plan 2016 for Darwin Port

12

Mapping & Hydrgrographic Surveys Pty Ltd We also publishe Ports News - New $2.3M Pilot Boat Commissioned

by Darwin Port

13

14

Weighing hoppers cut loads times at Geelong

15

Hart Marine delivers 5th Pilot Boat to Port Phillip Sea Pilots

16, 17, 18

Ports News - In the eye of the storm, Flinders Ports stays safe and sound

19

Ports of Auckland and Napier Port announce strategic alliance

19

Ports News -Healthy focus on Gladstone Harbour

19

Ports News - Celebration marks official opening of HMAS Gladstone II at East Shores

20

Ports News - Gladstone Ports Corporation achieves record trade again in 2015/16

20

Editorial Contributions

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Page 2 - Australian Ports News

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When timing, precision and efficiency is paramount

L

OVATT TRANSPORT is a privately owned Australia Company located in Botany, New South Wales. Established in 1979 by William (Bill) Lovatt, the company has been operating and transporting for small, national and multi-national companies for over 35 years. Lovatt Transport provide a service that is not only professional and reliable but unique in its excellence. So much so, Sydney Ports Corporation awarded them the Best Operational Performance of the Ports 4 consecutive years in a row (2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.)

In an industry where timing, precision and efficiency is paramount, the equipment used in operation must uphold these same principles. Traditionally using forklifts to lift and maneuver containers onto trucks, NTP Forklifts Australia were confident Lovatt Transport newly delivered Kalmar DRT 450 Reach Stacker would exceed all expectations.

Known for its’s power, the DRT 450 has a lifting capacity of 45 tonnes. The modern hydraulic systems ensures faster lifting speeds and better control. The working hydraulics and the brake system come equipped with separate oil tanks, oil coolers and oil filters. This keeps the oil clean and reduces maintenance costs.

The DRT 450 is proficient at handling loaded containers quickly and efficiency, even within Lovatt Transport’s busy distribution facility. Eliminating the need to pick up a container on a right-angle results in a faster turn-around on incoming and outgoing freight. They can now rotate the containers so the doors are rear/front for side loader deliveries, ultimately improving productivity.

In addition to its power and maneuverability, the machine’s ergonomics contributes to the overall productivity. Kalmar are well known for ergonomics and this machine is no different.

Possessing the same driver stability, optimum visibility and intuitive controls.

The comfortable Spirit Delta high visibility cabin is optimised to improve driver performance. The large windows ensure drivers can confidently see their surroundings and have full control over the machine at all times. Once again contributing to smoother operations, increased efficiency and importantly, safety.

In an environment where staff are working side by side with moving vehicles there is always a personnel safety risk as well as an increase in the risk of damaging other objects. To ensure

safety is upheld at all times, Lovatt Transport fitted the DRT 450 with a reverse warning system including sensors. Weight scales were also fitted to the reach stacker. This is to ensure the machine is compliant with the SOLAS regulations.

The team at Lovatt Transport were impressed with the Kalmar DRT 450 as well as the professionalism NTP Forklifts Australia showed.

Australian Ports News - Page 3

Cargo Liquefaction a problem for bulk terminals, warns ABTO Chief T

HE Association of Bulk Terminal Operators has warned that cargo liquefaction – an issue commonly associated with the seaborne transportation of unprocessed mineral ores and concentrates – is also an issue which bulk terminals need to pay attention to.

Speaking at the ICHCA ISP76 panel meeting in London recently, ABTO chief executive Ian Adams, said: “The liquefaction of bulk commodities is a serious issue which can and should be managed effectively shoreside.

However, allowing ship’s crews access to stock piles to assess solid bulk commodities such as Bauxite and nickel ore is not the answer in view of the fact that stock piles have been known to collapse. Tests should only be carried out when the cargo has been moved for loading onto the vessel.”

At the 3rd session of IMO’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC), it was agreed to draft new IMSBC amendments classifying coal as a Group A&B cargo and to push through amendments specifying that the “shipper shall be responsible for ensuring that a test to determine the TML... and that the shipper shall be responsible for ensuring the sampling and testing for moisture content”.

Referring to the on-going amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, Adams told ICHCA members: “There has been a significant amount of time at IMO debating the IMSBC Code and exploring the use of a modified Proctor/Fagerburg test for coal as a viable way of detecting and preventing cargo liquefaction. Australia, Brazil and China have done a tremendous amount of research into the test methodology and we are now nearing the point of conclusion.”

This test procedure details the laboratory determination of Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) for coals up to a nominal top size of 50mm. The procedure is based on a modification of the Proctor/Fagerberg test involving testing of a coal sample of up 170kg.

While the IMSBC Code applies primarily to the seaborne carriage of cargoes, Adams said there is a “definite crossover”, but bulk

Above: ABTO represents the interests of bulk terminal operators at the highest level terminal operators are often left behind during the regulatory decision-making process which, given that five billion tonnes of bulk commodities are transported annually, needs to change.

“There has to be greater representation at IMO. Liquefaction remains a serious concern for all sectors of industry but there is no international legislation governing the storage, segregation, handling and monitoring of such cargoes at the terminal – only guidelines,” he said.

Turning to the issue of HME classification (cargoes harmful to the marine environment

Above: Ian Adams, Chief Executive, Association of Bulk Terminal Operators

Above: ABTO Chief Executive Ian Adams speaking to ICHCA members recently in London Page 4 - Australian Ports News

under Marpol Annex V), Adams pointed out that there is no definitive list of HME cargoes, and in his opinion, quite rightly so. “It remains the responsibility of the shipper to declare whether a cargo is HME and to source the necessary cargo residue and wash-water reception facilities,” he said.

The certification of HME cargoes was also considered problematic, with ICHCA members commenting on a perceived increase in the number of falsified Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) Certificates. This, many agreed was due to the lack of mandatory procedures for

carrying out TML tests and full depth sampling of stockpiles, which ports will restrict for obvious safety reasons.

Richard Brough, O.B.E., Technical Adviser to ICHCA, said: “The tragic loss of the Bulk Jupiter, which sank off the coast of Vung Tau, Vietnam, in 2015 carrying a 46,000t cargo of bauxite, highlighted the need for all those involved in the supply chain to take responsibility in assessing the solidity of bulk cargoes. But it should not take a tragic event like this to be the harbinger of much needed change.”

Keeping Afloat in a Changing Sea C

ARGO Liquefaction is a concern for shippers and mariners alike, and when managed poorly can result in tragic loss of life and massive costs. Following several incidents over the past few years, the standard test method for transportable moisture limit (TML) and the laboratories that perform the tests have come under scrutiny under a drive to ensure the safety of crew and cargoes while maintaining commercial viability.

Microanalysis Australia, centrally located in East Perth, Western Australia, has been working with shipping and mining companies to determine the suitability of relevant test methods for different products, providing rapid and relevant feedback about products, results and test suitability, and offering upto-date information and certificates. This includes involvement in the validation and

implementation of the new Modified ProctorFagerberg TML test for Iron Ore Fines, and providing test results for a wide range of shippers around the world.

Interest has increased in the possibility of liquefaction of products that were previously considered unlikely to liquefy, including bauxite and alumina. The suitability of the available test methods for individual products with wildly varying physical and chemical properties is also acutely relevant.

TML determination is a delicate science, which results in a report without which a ship containing bulk cargo is unable to leave port.

The TML value represents a ‘safe’ moisture content, below which the cargo is unlikely to undergo liquefaction and endanger the ship and crew. It is the responsibility of the shipper to provide a moisture management plan and to prove that the cargo is being shipped with a moisture content below the TML. There are currently three techniques suggested in the International Maritime Organisation’s IMSBC code – the flow table test, using impact testing to simulate plastic flow; the Proctor-Fagerberg test, based on a standard soil compaction test to determine saturation point; and the Penetration test, using vibrational testing to simulate liquefaction conditions. Each technique is uniquely suited to certain sample types, so explicit knowledge of the sample and the test specifics are paramount to an easy journey

Above: Dangerous goods testing

out of the port. Not everyone needs to be an expert – just employ a laboratory that is!

Another rising concern is the effect on the environment when something does go wrong. The regulations around bulk cargo classification are getting tighter. It is important for a cleanup crew to know if a product is hazardous to a marine environment (HME) and there is increasing demand for classification testing using marine transformation dissolution testing as more products are required to comply with Marpol Annex V. Microanalysis Australia is able to perform the relevant dissolution testing for marine and freshwater environments, as well as biological toxicity studies in synthetic

stomach or lung fluids.

These changes are occurring as the Australian Maritime Shipping Authority (AMSA) are continually reviewing and improving the guidelines to improve the safety of crew and cargoes. It is important to keep track of major changes and make sure that shippers know ahead of time what will be required of them and that ports are aware of the changes affecting them. Microanalysis Australia has a long history of providing the latest information to shippers and ports and assisting with understanding regulations and guidelines to help shipments go out smoothly and without incident.

Australian Ports News - Page 5

York Civil delivers Broome WEOL project ahead of schedule

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EADING Australian civils contractor York Civil recently completed a major wharf extension of life (WEOL) project for the Kimberley Ports Authority (KPA) at Broome.

The Port of Broome, located about 2200km north-east of Perth, is the major port servicing the Kimberley region of Western Australia and plays a vital role in the cattle export trade and as a stop-off place for cruise liners.

It is also a critical base for supply vessels for the offshore oil and gas industry, fishing charter and pearling boats and is where the majority of containers and fuels coming into the region are received.

“The wharf at Broome comprises a 650m long and 8m wide access jetty leading to a 325m long and 26m wide wharf. It was built in the 1960s with an extension added in 2006,” said York Civil Project Manager, Christian Joder.

“The structure consisted of steel piles and headstocks supporting a steel deck with a 160200mm concrete cap on top of that. Our client, the Kimberley Port Authority, was aware that the current structure had reached its 50-year design life and wanted to future proof the wharf by upgrading its capacity to accommodate an increase in port activities,” he said.

York Civil was awarded a contract in early July 2015 to assess the wharf and provide a design that would prolong its life by 20 years with the proviso that the wharf remained fully operational at all times.

The wharf also carried a number of services including fuel import and export lines, water lines for firefighting and domestic use, cable trays and a seawater line for the Department of Fisheries use that could not be interrupted.

Mr Joder said a detailed assessment of the wharf structure revealed that the support piles and headstock beams were mostly sound. The existing steel decking was identified as a high risk structural component due to deterioration.

The solution to meet KPA’s requirements, proposed by York Civil in conjunction with its design consultants Aztec Analysis, involved the addition of a new concrete deck. This new deck

Above: Removal of the existing deck, Kimberley Ports was to be independent of the steel deck using existing beams and piles which required only minimal upgrade works to accommodate the increased design loads.

Connections to the beams and piles were achieved by cutting open the steel deck at required locations and the new reinforced concrete deck which, at 380-440mm, was more

Above: Excavator walked off the deck following removal of the last section of existing concrete Page 6 - Australian Ports News

than twice as thick as the old deck was laid using the beams to support it independent of the steel deck.

The plan called for the project to be completed in stages, with works scheduled to take place during times when sections of the wharf were not required for shipping operations, and when vehicular traffic on the wharf was at its lowest.

Kimberley Ports Authority approved the project plan and work got underway on November 6, 2015 in the face of challenges posed by the confined working space, the extremely hot and humid conditions experienced in Broome during the monsoon season, and the natural hazards of working at height in a marine environment.

One of the most difficult areas to work was the wharf neck, which had to be kept open to vehicular traffic at all times but was so narrow there was minimal room to accommodate safety barriers to protect York Civil work crews. To mitigate the hazard, works were undertaken in the afternoon when traffic was greatly reduced.

This also helped to reduce workers’ exposure to the heat of daylight hours.

In fact, with the detailed planning and interface management of both York and KPA,

works went very smoothly with work crews moving from stage to stage, removing the old concrete, cutting the decking, welding stiffeners to the headstocks, installing reinforcing for the new concrete deck, and pouring concrete at the rate of 150m3 a week on the wharf neck.

During the project, 1851m3 of concrete was removed from the structure and disposed of, steel decking was cut, 944 tons of concrete reinforcing was installed, 4104m3 of concrete was poured, and 1058 steel stiffeners welded into place on the headstocks and painted.

Completion of the project was scheduled for December 2016, however things went so well that most work was completed early with the site being fit for purpose in September.

WA State Manager, Dallas Keane said York Civil was proud that works had been completed under time and within budget, with more than 48,000 hours worked and no lost time injuries in spite of the hot and humid conditions, especially given works were mostly undertaken at height in a marine environment while contending with a high density of operational traffic in the confined workspace.

York Civil’s West Australian office is also delivering the Swan River Pedestrian Bridge and Charles Street Bus Bridge and Busway.

Above: Concrete pour at the jetty neck

Specialised heavy equipment supplied by McCorry Brown Earthmoving for the Broome Wharf Extension Project McCorry Brown Earthmoving would like to thank York Civil and the Kimberley Ports Authority for our engagement in the Broome Wharf Extension Of Life Project.

In conjunction with Holcim Australia and Frontier Cement Supplies, McCorry Brown are honoured to have successfully supplied in excess of 4000m3 of High Strength Concrete to the wharf deck and adjoining work areas over a 10 month period.

Additionally McCorry Brown were engaged to provide specialised heavy equipment for the removal of all existing concrete decking of the wharf. Working in conjunction with construction contractors, all concrete removal was completed on time and within budget for the project.

The WEOL project provided an economic stimulation to our local economy and provided an opportunity for further employment to local businesses.

McCorry Brown would like to congratulate York Civil and their chosen contractors, on a well-managed and completed project which should provide long term economic growth to our Port and the Broome Community.

Left: Final pour Kimberley Port Authority

Above: Demolition and construction completed hand in hand

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MCS solves Eden Port woodchip loading crisis M OBILE Conveying Services is currently involved in a major project at Eden in NSW where it is loading vessels with woodchip.

Allied Natural Wood Exporters (ANWE) GM Jarrod Wallis said that a freak storm had interrupted the company’s export of woodchip by putting the company chip mill’s jetty and conveyor system out of action.

At the height of the storm at 4:30am on June 6, a 17m-high wave struck the shore at Eden and swept away two 100m sections of the wharf access pier and the associated conveyor system.

Mr Wallis said that the largest wave previously recorded in NSW had only measured 14.9m and that high tides and a storm surge had made the situation at Eden worse.

The mill and export operation is a major player in the regional economy, making an estimated $1-million injection into the economy each week and providing employment for up to 600 people.

Local politicians including Andrew Constance and Peter Hendy inspected the damage shortly after the storm to try and determine its impact and whether mill operations and woodchip exports would be affected as a result.

“The damage to the ANWE wood chip export port in Eden is significant, and I’m very concerned about the potential impact on local jobs and our regional economy,” Dr Hendy said.

Mr Wallis said the company had immediately begun planning to rebuild the pier and conveying infrastructure but had also needed an alternative method to load-out vessels with woodchip to keep the operation running in the meantime.

The company contacted Brisbane-based Mobile Conveying Services (MCS) which is known for its expertise in loading materials onto ships and barges and had already successfully completed a woodchip loading project at Esperance in WA. MCS MD Graeme Cooney arrived onsite at Eden a few days after the storm and conducted a feasibility study to determine if his company could provide the required solution. He concluded that MCS could do so based on the fact that there was an undamaged wharf of sufficient size nearby.

This wharf had been built for the use of the navy and, at 28m, was wide enough to deploy the company’s patented twin-truck unloader and mobile conveyor units at an oblique angle to a docked vessel, while still leaving enough space for trucks to safely access the wharf.

MCS delivered a proposal to the client which was accepted. The required equipment was prepared and staff alerted to move to Eden. Mr Cooney pointed out that that MCS keeps its fleet in constant readiness to respond to emergencies and could have been on the move within two

days had it not been for delays in obtaining licences to use NSW roads.

The MCS equipment, including a containerload of critical spares, arrived at the navy wharf and was set up by company staff assisted by Eden-based stevedores. ANWE had sourced around 10 large trucks and drivers to carry woodchip on the 6km roundtrip from the mill stockpile to the wharf.

The first vessel docked on 26th July and loading began at the rate of about 6,000 tonnes per day which was slightly better than had been

expected. To date MCS has achieved a max load rate of 7,000 tonnes in a 24hr period. Loading takes place for about twenty hours per day with the balance being taken up with moving the conveyors to load through the vessel’s various hatches.

Mr Cooney said that one of the company’s most important advantages was its dual-truck unloader which had been specially adapted to contain the sudden surge of woodchip which would often hang up and then discharge from a truck all at once.

The unloader’s dual-truck capacity meant that there was never a time when the flow of product was halted while waiting for one truck to move away from the unloader and another to position itself.

At the time of writing MCS had successfully loaded four 30,000 tonne vessels and expected to be onsite until ANWE’s jetty and ship loading system was back in action.

“We were experiencing a fairly big crisis and we were very glad to acquire the services and expertise of MCS and also very lucky to have access to the multi-purpose wharf,” said Mr Wallis. “Work is already underway and we hope to have our own jetty back in operation in November.”

MCS offers a wide range of conveying equipment and services including the wet and dry hire of equipment, the sale of equipment, the provision of complete materials handling solutions on fixed-rate or per-tonne contracts and conveyor parts, repair and servicing.

You can find video of the loading on Mobile Conveying Services

site at www.youtube.com/user/ mobileconveyors Page 8 - Australian Ports News

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Australian Ports News - Page 9

‘AMG Winyama’ First up success spurs demand for Berkeley Class pilot boat The success of the Australian-developed Berkeley Class pilot boat has been underlined with a second vessel ordered and delivered within 12 months of the first entering service.

‘AMG Winyama’ will work out of the Port of Dampier, Western Australia, for Argonaut Marine Group. Argonaut placed the order with Dongara Marine after being impressed by the performance and quality of the first Berkeley Class.

Developed to enhance safety and comfort for Marine Pilots, the design leverages the 40+ years of experience with high speed fishing, patrol and offshore crew boats that resides within Southerly Designs. The design’s ability to safely transfer Marine Pilots to ships in heavy weather has been proven by ‘Berkeley’, which has been in service at the Port of Fremantle since June 2015.

“The design provides an amazing ride at speed, especially in heavy weather, and is very dry,” noted Argonaut Marine Group’s Managing Director, Captain Kim Lyons.

“We were also impressed with the quality Dongara Marine has instilled throughout.

‘AMG Winyama’ has certainly lived up to the high expectations we had based on the ‘Berkeley’, and enhances our ability to provide safe, reliable, and flexible pilotage services.”

The design’s generous waterline length contributes to its seakeeping performance, while also improving propulsion efficiency.

Twin keels and full-size pintle-hung rudders

provide exceptional directional stability, increased manoeuvrability, and roll damping.

Coupled with extra wide side decks and first class WA made Northern Star fendering system, these attributes make for a very safe working platform for Pilots and crew.

‘Berkeley’ operated for more than 3,000 hours in its first year, and the heavy workload pilot boats face is reflected in the specification of proven equipment that is rated for intensive commercial use.

An example is the selection of twin MTU 8V 2000 M72 main engines at MTU’s 1B (Heavy Duty) rating.

“This rating is specifically intended for fast vessels in high load factor applications operating some 5000 hours per year,” explained Southerly Designs founding Director, John Fitzhardinge.

“While some pilot boats use engines rated for yachts and other low load profile applications, we firmly believe the engines and ratings we specify provide end users with greater long term value and performance as a result of their reliability, extended time between overhaul (TBO), and construction quality,” he continued.

Completed by Twin Disc gearboxes and Nakashima propellers, the propulsion package gives ‘AMG Winyama’ a fully loaded cruising speed of 25.5 knots and 29.5 knots at 100%

MCR. Penske Power Systems supplied the engines and Kohler gensets.

To deliver ‘AMG Winyama’ quickly, Niche Marine was contracted to fabricate its robust aluminium hull, which was trucked to Dongara Marine as a bare shell ready for the mechanical installation, fitout, and addition of the resin infused composite wheelhouse. This approach resulted in a build time of just over seven months.

The use of composites results in a very lightweight yet durable cabin that is protected against corrosion issues throughout its life.

It also provides insulation from the extreme heat ‘AMG Winyama’ will experience in the Pilbara. Further enhancing conditions for those onboard, the wheelhouse is resiliently mounted resulting in very low noise and vibration levels, while Dongara Marine’s composite construction techniques provide a near superyacht finish inside and out.

Also contributing to providing Pilots and crew with a quiet, comfortable work place is

Above: ‘AMG Winyama’ general arrangement Page 10 - Australian Ports News

Dongara Marine’s high quality interior fitout.

This is evident in features such as padded vinyl linings and the carbon fibre and leather dash.

Direct glazed windows provide unrivalled 360degree visibility and are fitted with reflective blinds to reduce heat transfer. Six Shockwave military specification shock mitigating seats add to the exceptional ride provided by the Berkeley Class hullform, whilst the ergonomic dash enables the skipper to easily access the full array of electronics.

These electronics include two Furuno Navnet multi-function (plotter, sounder, and radar) displays with 14.1 inch glass touchscreens (with a third screen at the dedicated pilot position).

Dash clutter is reduced by a customised FinScan IntelliCORE digital switching system that enables switching for all circuits that require wheelhouse control – such as electrics, tanks gauges, vessel alarms, and electrical supply – to occur on a single 10 inch touchscreen.

Continued on next page

Above: ‘AMG Winyama’ interior

‘AMG Winyama’ First up success spurs demand for Berkeley Class pilot boat Continued from previous page Since it is lightweight and resiliently mounted, the wheelhouse can be simply removed if it is necessary to remove the main engines. John Fitzhardinge says this feature allows for a more optimal pilot boat design.

“Whereas some designs have to compromise on the positioning of engines and superstructures to provide for full engine access, our design locates the engines in the best place as far as vessel balance and performance are concerned, while simultaneously positioning the wheelhouse for optimal functionality, visibility, and personnel comfort,” Fitzhardinge explained.

As an example, he notes the added functionality the more spacious aft deck and cabin of the Berkeley Class pilot boat provides.

“It enables, for example, a stretcher-borne patient to be easily manoeuvred on the sheltered aft deck and then into the safety and comfort of the cabin, something that is not possible on many pilot vessels,” Fitzhardinge said. ‘AMG Winyama’ is fitted with a Goodchild Marine man overboard recovery platform.

The high standard of construction, and regard for through-life reliability and maintainability, is evident in the spacious engine room, where

Above: ‘AMG Winyama’ engine room

polished copper nickel piping is used throughout the sea water system due to its higher corrosion resistance.

“The piping, and the choice of MOB recovery platform, are some of a handful of detail changes Argonaut, our owner’s representative IMC, and Dongara Marine agreed would enhance the original Berkeley design for operation and maintenance in the harsh Pilbara environment,” Argonaut’s Kim Lyons explained. “To their credit Dongara Marine worked extremely cooperatively to achieve our specific requirements. We would have no hesitation in going back to them for future projects.”

Dongara Marine’s General Manager, Rohan Warr, said combining talents was a key to the project’s success.

“To deliver a vessel of the highest standard, Dongara Marine drew not only on our in-

house capabilities but also those of specialist contractors who have gained their experience with the hard working vessels used in the demanding Western Australian rock lobster fishery,” he said.

Pages Electrical and Dongara Marine’s Keith Paris oversaw the electrical installation.

Geraldton Marine Electronics provided and installed the electronics. M3 Engineering carried out the mechanical installation, and the stern gear was provided by M & J Engineering.

Fleet Hydraulics provided and installed the steering system.

“The contributions of all parties have combined to provide a first class pilot boat that will provide significantly lower operating and maintenance costs over its lifespan,” Warr concluded.

DONGARA MARINE SHIPWRIGHTS & BOATBUILDERS

HOME OF THE BERKELEY CLASS PILOT LAUNCH Servicing the commercial marine industry since 1975

2 Carrol St, Port Denison WA 6525 (08) 9927 2257 dongaramarine@wn.com.au www.dongaramarine.com.au Australian Ports News - Page 11

PORT DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2016 DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

DARWIN PORT Darwin Port is the only major multimodal port located in Northern Australia and is strategically located as Australia’s gateway to Asia and Asia’s gateway to Australia. The policy focus of the Federal and Northern Territory Government on Developing Northern Australia, provides opportunities for increasing investment and trade links with our Asian neighbours. This provides significant opportunities for Darwin Port to work with companies in the commodities, agribusiness and general trade sectors to maximise logistics efficiencies and deliver infrastructure at the Port in a timely manner. This will improve the competitiveness of the NT economy and deliver increased business for the Port.

LANDBRIDGE Having secured a 99 year lease on Darwin Port, the Landbridge Group is now looking to develop the Port and increase trade flow through Darwin.

Landbridge Group is actively investigating other investment opportunities in both Northern Australia and elsewhere in the Asian region with a view to maximise Port throughput in both exports and imports and shipping activity more generally. The Landbridge Group is also actively pursuing synergistic opportunitiesfor Darwin Port within its extensive business network in China.

While Darwin Port does have existing capacity within its current infrastructure, it also has significant land reserves available providing it with the ability to continually expand as this capacity is taken up. This capability exists in very few ports elsewhere in Australia making Darwin Port the obvious choice as Australia’s gateway to Asia.

CURRENT PROJECTS Refrigerated Container Park – Darwin Port is in the process of expanding the refrigerated container (reefer) park at East Arm Wharf

Page 12 - Australian Ports News

(EAW). The Port currently has 50 reefer points (electrical power points) in its common user facility which is an adequate number to be able to cope with the current demand. There are plans for the current users to expand throughput and further demand is expected with the progress of the Developing the North policy and increasing food supplies to Asia. A significant increased demand for reefer facilities may also be required should a positive final investment decision be made by the proponents of a major aquaculture project.

Darwin Port is well progressed in planning the expansion of the current facility to 200 reefer points. Forward planning undertaken means that the development will be constructed to allow for efficient expansion of up to 1000 reefer points as demand grows.

Strategic Hardstand Development – An additional area of hardstand is being developed on recently reclaimed land adjacent to the main quay line at EAW. The development of this area will allow for efficiencies in vessel unloading due to its close proximity to the quay line. More importantly, it will contribute significantly to making the wharf a safer working environment as it will negate the historical practice of using access road verges for short term storage. This work is being undertaken in conjunction with the reefer park development.

Harbour Support Vessel Facility – A forecast increase in large vessel movements within Darwin harbour will also see a need for additional harbour support assets. Darwin Port is working closely with operators within this sector in planning for a new facility at EAW to be able to accommodate these vessels. The goal is to see all of these assets located much closer to their main areas of operation which should contribute to increased efficiencies within their operations.

Quay Line/Container Park Expansion – Within weeks of securing the 99 year lease on the Port, the Landbridge Group initiated an investigation on the expansion options of the Port. In addition to validating some of the existing planning that was already in place, the study also considered what the Port might look like well into the future.

The study considered an extension of the current quay line by 1000 metres to meet future increases in cargo volumes in the areas of dry bulk exports, liquid bulk imports, live cattle and container and general cargo throughput and how this would impact the overall layout of EAW. As a result Darwin Port now has a concept design on the most suitable locations within the Port for infrastructure development in these trade sectors.

The recommendations included the repositioning of dry bulk loading operations and liquid bulk unloading operations to the proposed new quay line extension. This would allow for an expansion of live cattle exports and container and general cargo operations on the existing quay line. Guidance was also provided on expansion options for the existing container park as numbers exceed the existing capacity of 78,000 TEU per annum. In a staged approach, with land reclamation adjacent to existing container park facilities, Darwin Port will be able to achieve a container capacity throughput of up to 500,000 TEU per annum. Darwin Port is now undertaking concept design and scoping environmental planning for the East Arm Wharf expansion.

Cruise Ship Facility – In terms of cruise ship passenger numbers, Darwin Port is ranked number three in Australia. The increasing demand in Cruise ship tourism is forecast to continue into the future with larger vessels carrying more passengers.

Darwin Port has initiated a project to cater for the increasing vessel sizes and the larger number of passengers that they will carry. With the world’s largest cruise ships now programming visits to Darwin, this infrastructure will need to include additional quay line and passenger facilities that will enhance the visitor experience. With the cruise lines looking at increased numbers of passenger change overs when visiting Darwin, proposals are underway to modify the existing facilities to cater for these increasing numbers of passengers that leave and join the ships while in Port.

Having a cruise ship use Darwin as it’s home base port has been a long term aspiration of both Darwin Port and the Northern Territory Government. Darwin Port continues to work with cruise ship operators to ensure that it is in a position to be able to provide the necessary facilities should a decision be made to proceed with this option.

As a part of the terminal design review, Darwin Port is also considering the inclusion of a number of facilities specifically designed to enhance the tourist arrival experience.

FUTURE DEMAND AND DELIVERY Federal Government Agencies – Darwin Port will continue to work with all relevant agencies

in order to ensure that it is ready to provide the necessary level of support in the areas of national security and border protection.

Mining Sector – Darwin Port is in discussions with a number of minerals export proponents that are working towards using the Port to move product to market. While the existing bulk export infrastructure has significant capacity, it is not suitable for all of the potential products that may be moved through the port. A number of the proponents are still progressing logistics studies and are yet to decide on a firm exporting methodology. As a result of these challenges, Darwin Port maintains close contact with all proponents and, in collaboration with other service providers, continues to provide logistics chain advice.

Additional Minerals Development – In addition to the mining proponents previously mentioned, other projects are at an early stage of development. Depending on their progress, many have the potential to become operational in the next five to ten year period which could see the requirement to develop additional infrastructure at Darwin Port including: • a cross land conveyor system from the Darwin Port stockpile site to the bulk loading system; • dedicated enclosed storage sheds for products not suitable for outside storage; • additional bulk loading systems for products not compatible for loading with the existing system; and • additional rail dump facilities to reduce rail terminal bottlenecks as volumes increase.

Landbridge has a desire to significantly grow trade through the Port. Darwin Port has a willingness to be adaptable to customer’s needs and will continue to work with all proponents in order to maximise opportunities for increasing bulk volumes through the port by ensuring the necessary infrastructure and improved logistics is available when required.

Marine Supply base (MSb) Expansion – The MSB became operational in 2014 and is considered suitable to be able to cope with up to 1000 offshore support vessel visits per year.

Further significant offshore development in Darwin Port’s catchment areas would see the need to develop stage two of the Marine Supply Base.

FLEXIBILITY The wide variety of trade sectors serviced through Darwin Port, the cyclical nature of many of these and the focus on the expansion of trade through the Port highlight the need for flexibility in port planning.

Over time it is not unreasonable to expect to see delineation in the various precincts within Darwin Port to be able to facilitate growth and investment in an optimum manner.

The immediate focus demands the provision of adequate and suitable infrastructure that is driven by customer needs. Consultation is the key to achieving this and both the Landbridge Group and Darwin Port are fully committed to ongoing proactive stakeholder engagement in order to ensure that we are recognised as the Northern Australia port of choice.

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Australian Ports News - Page 13

New $2.3M Pilot Boat Commissioned by Darwin Port

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ECENTLY, Darwin Port commissioned its new $2.3 Million purpose-built pilot transfer vessel, wholly constructed in Australia by Norman Wright and Sons.

Officially named by Mrs Marie Hardy in honour of the tradition in ship naming, ‘Delirra’ was welcomed with the pouring champagne on her bow and a traditional Larrakia smoking ceremony, to honour her important role in Darwin Harbour.

Delirra, named following consultation with the Larrakia, synergises the role of the pilot boat and its relationship with the traditional custodians of the land and sea on which it will operate. The name itself means ‘guiding light’.

“Delirra takes port capability in pilotage to a whole new level, the state of the art design and navigation technology is leading edge.

The 15 metre vessel was constructed over the last 12 months and was purposely designed to meet the sea conditions experienced in Darwin

harbour”, said Terry O’Connor, Darwin Port Chief Executive.

Landbridge Darwin Port continue to recognise the importance of investing in port capability and the local economy. The construction of Delirra was subject to a wholly Australian design and build approach, with some of the safety equipment sourced locally from Darwin.

“Historically, Darwin Port has operated one full time pilot boat, the Lamaroo, which was commissioned in 2012. In her short time, she has performed more than 7,262 pilot transfers and worked around 8,147 hours. Today we welcome the newest pilot vessel to our fleet, Delirra. Together with Lamaroo, Delirra allows Darwin Port to offer a high quality and effective service, which has been deliberate in our meeting the demands with the commencement of the new INPEX LNG ships, which will realise one LNG tanker a day through Darwin Harbour from towards the end of 2017”, said Mr O’Connor.

Delirra – New Pilot Vessel What does the port expect the FAQ

What does a pilot boat do?

Pilot vessels are used to transfer Marine Pilots onto incoming and outgoing ships at sea. It is a skilful and sometimes dangerous job and is undertaken whilst the ship is sailing. The pilot boards the ship via an external ladder from the pilot boat.

In Darwin, the transfer point is about 7.5 Km to seaward of Emery Point (off Larrakeyah) and also retrieve the pilot after a vessel leaves the port boundary, (around 11 kms off East Point).

Pilot transfers for large vessels occur at the Harbour limit, approximately 20Km to seaward of Emery Point.

Who built the new pilot vessel and what are its capabilities?

The 15 meter long, 5 meter wide, Delirra was built by Norman Wright and Sons of Brisbane and took nearly twelve months to construct.

Delirra was wholly constructed in Australia, with safety components sourced from Northern Territory suppliers. Delirra is a modern sea-going vessel that has an operating speed of 22 knots (40.7Km/h), and was specifically constructed to meet the demanding sea conditions experienced in Darwin harbour. The new vessel’s design and equipment will improve the safety and efficiency of marine pilot transfers, particularly during bad weather. With an increase in larger ships to Darwin, Delirra is expected to undertake more pilot transfer operations in the outer harbour.

Why wasn’t the pilot boat constructed locally?

Pilot boats are specific pieces of equipment that are built to international specifications.

The construction of the pilot boat was tendered and subsequently awarded to Norman R Wright and Sons of Brisbane.

How much did it cost and why is it an important investment?

Above left to right: Mr Paul Kirby MLA, Member for Port Darwin; Mr Mike Hughes, Managing Director Landbridge Group; Captain Ian Niblock, General Manager Operations; Mr Terry O’Connor, Chief Executive Darwin Port; Mrs Marie Hardy; His Honour the Administrator of the Northern Territory, Mr John Hardy; Dancers from Larrakia Nation Photo courtesy of Melissa Reiter on behalf of Darwin Port

At $2.3 Million, the Delirra is an important investment for Landbridge Darwin Port in improvements to port capability and to meet shipping traffic demands, as well as increases in larger ships, expected through the Port of Darwin over the next few years.

‘increases in shipping traffic’ to be?

Darwin Port, as the sole operator of pilotage transfer services within the Port of Darwin undertakes more than 2,000 pilot transfers every year. Since 2012, when the most recent pilot vessel Lamaroo was commissioned, Darwin Port has performed more than 7260 pilot transfers. Once operational, the INPEX Ichthys LNG Facility will increase LNG tanker numbers to an estimated 121 LNG tankers per annum.

Were there environmental considerations taken into account for the new vessel?

The new vessel will not only be better value for money to operate, but includes the latest technology regarding environmental, safety and operational features. The vessel is more efficient to run with an anticipated 40% reduction in fuel consumption when compared to the existing pilot vessel.

What is the story behind the name?

In researching an appropriate name for the new Pilot Vessel, the Darwin Port consulted with the Larrakia people, to ensure that a connection to the custodians of the land and sea was achieved. As the pilot vessel is responsible for meeting ships at the entrance to the harbour and escorting ships from the harbour, in both instances transferring a Darwin Port Marine Pilot to and from the ship, it was considered that a name that reflected this process positively would be appropriate.

The indigenous word ‘Delirra’ in the Larrakia dialect is said to mean ‘guiding light’. Darwin Port believes this name appropriately represents the role of a pilot vessel, which is often the first physical contact with the Port of Darwin for an arriving ship.

What will happen to the other pilot boats?

The oldest of the fleet, the John Grice will stand in for the Lamaroo whilst it is dry docked for routine maintenance. Then the John Grice will be retired. The Lamaroo will be the support vessel to the Delirra.

GPC to reduce harbour towage charges in the Port of Gladstone

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S part of its commitment to its customers, Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) is pleased to implement reduced harbour towage charges in the Port of Gladstone.

Increased vessel traffic through the Port as a result of the new LNG export industry and the commencement of operations at Wiggins Island Coal Terminal (WICT), has provided the opportunity for GPC to reduce the costs applied for harbour towage charges in the Port.

This reduction has occurred due to a forecast of increased vessel movements by approximately nine percent per year, which equates to 7,144 tug boat jobs in the Port of Gladstone.

GPC can now deliver a 6.75 percent price reduction for towage in the Gladstone Harbour, providing much needed financial relief to many of its customers.

GPC Chairman, Leo Zussino said the corporation is very conscious that many of its customers are facing challenging times as a result of the downturn in the resources industry, and the corporation is committed to maintaining and reducing charges to its customers wherever possible.

In addition to reduced harbour towage charges, GPC is also providing reduced charges to coal customers for the 2015/16 and 2016/17 financial years.

Page 14 - Australian Ports News

Above: Gladstone Ports Corporation will implement reduced harbour towage charges in the Port of Gladstone

Weighing hoppers cut load times at Geelong

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NNOVATIVE weighing hoppers designed and built by Page Macrae in New Zealand are being successfully used at Victoria’s Geelong Port.

“We had a requirement for new hoppers for use in the port to increase unloading efficiencies and add value for our customers,� said Geelong Port Maintenance Manager Graeme Newman.

The port had a number of requirements for its new hoppers including a reduced height to enable easier access for grabs operated by ships cranes. The access height for trucks was also to be increased from the usual 3.9m to 4.3m to enable the loading of larger modern vehicles.

The major requirement, however, was that the hoppers had to be able to weigh the commodity being discharged in order to load the maximum legally permissible amount onto each truck but to avoid overloading them.

The process of truck loading was previously done by eye and each vehicle had to pass over a weighbridge before it was allowed to leave the port to ensure it had not been overloaded. Trucks had to have their loads reduced if found to be overloaded.

Mr Newman said the process had been timeconsuming and that trucks were often underloaded to avoid delays which had resulted in them not being used to their maximum efficiency.

It was also often the case that the quality of the cargo was compromised when it was unloaded back at the wharf.

Geelong Port invited proposals from a number of hopper manufacturers and eventually selected the solution proposed by Page Macrae in which the hopper would discharge into waiting trucks via a belt weigher.

The solution met all of the stated requirements and Geelong Port was more confident of their

choice of manufacturer due to the fact that Page Macrae already had a successful track record in the port, having successfully manufactured and delivered two dust control discharge hoppers to Boral in 2013.

Two units were ordered and the design was finalised after ongoing consultation between representatives of the port and the manufacturer.

Mr Newman said that the belt weigher had been designed so that it could be jacked aside so the hopper could discharge awkward loads directly into trucks through a larger-than-normal chute.

The two hoppers were constructed and Mr Newman attended the final testing in New Zealand before they were loaded and shipped to Geelong. Page Macrae staff commissioned the hoppers earlier in 2016 and undertook the training

of personnel from the port and the stevedoring companies likely to be operating them.

The hoppers are loaded by crane and grab and the hopper operator uses coloured lights to signal waiting trucks to approach the loading area and to position them accurately. The operator then enters the truck’s load capacity into the control system and the hopper discharges that tonnage into the truck. “We have been using the hoppers for several months and we are growing increasing confident about the scales accuracy and consistency.

We have been very satisfied with the solution designed and manufactured for us by Page Macrae and it has certainly added value to our customers by minimising load times and allowing trucks to be used at full efficiency.�

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HART MARINEʼS BUILD OF THE NEW PILOT VESSEL ʻNEPEANʼ FOR PORT PHILLIP SEA PILOTS

Hart Marine delivers 5th Pilot Boat to Port Phillip Sea Pilots

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ELBOURNE-based boat builder Hart Marine delivered their 5th ORC fast pilot boat to Port Phillip Sea Pilots at the beginning of November.

Named Nepean after the piece of land which creates the Port Phillip Heads, a notorious stretch of water, the 18m Hart Marine ORC vessel was designed by French Naval Architecture Company Pantocarene.

The series of the ORC pilot boats including more common 15.6m and the 18m versions represent the current state-of-the-art in pilot boats and have taken the Australian and New Zealand markets by storm.

“We are absolutely delighted to have built a fifth boat for Port Phillip Sea Pilots. It is a credit to the design and everyone here at Hart Marine,” said Hart Marine General Manager Graeme Taylor.

“The client operates its pilotage service for Melbourne, Geelong and Western Port and once lost a boat and crew in the extreme weather conditions they have to contend with. Their ongoing orders are a unique testimony to the safety, comfort and efficiency of the pilot boats we build.”

Safety, crew and passenger comfort, efficiency and a low cost of ownership are, in fact, the basic requirements for any pilot boat and the ORC boats built by Hart Marine deliver far beyond.

Their composite hulls are not only tough enough to withstand the worst that the weather can throw at them but give them double the expected life of a conventional hull and, thus, a higher resale value. Their self-righting capabilities increase the safety dramatically even in the wildest conditions.

Continued on next page

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Email: info@hartmarine.com.au Phone: +61(3) 5975 5622 Address: 66 Yuilles RD Mornington,VIC, Australia Page 16 - Australian Ports News

HART MARINEʼS BUILD OF THE NEW PILOT VESSEL ʻNEPEANʼ FOR PORT PHILLIP SEA PILOTS

Hart Marine delivers 5th Pilot Boat to Port Phillip Sea Pilots Continued from previous page Crew and passenger comfort are also paramount to reduce fatigue and thereby increase their efficiency. The ORC boats are equipped with unique wave-piercing beak bow hulls, which combine the characteristics of planing and semi-planing hulls to reduce pitching and produce a smoother ride.

They also have resilient-mounted cabins, which isolate crew and pilots to a very large degree from noise and vibration. Hart Marine continually strives to improve the comfort of their vessels and Nepean is equipped with a new exhaust system which has succeeded in lowering noise levels even further.

Nepean is outfitted with twin Cummins QSK 19 750bhp motors feeding power through a ZF 2050A gearbox to Mikado propellers. This gives her a cruising speed of 26 knots and a top speed of 28 knots.

The vessel is tailored with a Furuno T2T electronics package and a Furuno 4DS4D Open Array Radar and an infrared camera for detecting personnel in the unlikely event of a man-over-board situation.

The vessel was built according to the AMSA M054/5 standard and underwent extensive sea trials to confirm range, fuel consumption, cruising, transfer and top speeds. The compasses were adjusted and all systems tested.

“The Hart Marine ORC pilot boats have been exceptionally successful in this region and enjoy a growing reputation among port authorities. We currently have five vessels under construction for various clients, others have been ordered and we are continually receiving expressions of interest from potential new clients,” said Mr Taylor.

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HART MARINEʼS BUILD OF THE NEW PILOT VESSEL ʻNEPEANʼ FOR PORT PHILLIP SEA PILOTS

Celebrating 23 Years in Business

Page 18 - Australian Ports News

In the eye of the storm, Flinders Ports stays safe and sound

Ports of Auckland and Napier Port announce strategic alliance

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HEN long-range weather forecasts showed that a super-storm was heading for South Australia, Flinders Ports activated its safety management plan for adverse weather. The storm posed a major hazard to people and assets, so Flinders Ports took the unprecedented step of closing all seven of its ports for 48-hours, when the storm battered the state at the end of September.

Above: Garth Cowie, CEO Napier Port and Tony Gibson, CEO Ports of Auckland

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ORTS of Auckland Limited and Napier Port recently announced a strategic alliance which will provide operational, economic, sustainability and community benefits.

Above: Outer Harbor duringthe storm

“It was the first time in the company’s 15year history that we had to close our ports for this period of time,” said Mr Vincent Tremaine, Chief Executive Officer, Flinders Port Holdings.

As the storm approached, staff at Flinders Ports worked against the clock. Four ships would have been at risk had they remained in port, so these were guided out to secure anchorages at sea by Flinders Ports’ pilots. For ships that could stay in port, operations staff added extra mooring lines to safeguard these vessels. All plant and equipment that could create a hazard in high winds was carefully secured. At the container terminal, where containers are stacked three high, operations teams moved containers to additional storage areas to reduce stack heights to a maximum of two high.

“It was vital that our employees and stakeholders were not placed at avoidable risk.

We knew that storm force conditions would

be dangerous. Wave heights of 10 metres and wind gusts of 90 kilometres per hour had been predicted and without the correct safety measures, ships could have run aground, or detached from their moorings,” said Mr Tremaine.

The company also urged recreational port users, such as kayakers and fishing enthusiasts, to stay safe and avoid coastal waters until the storm subsided. At the regional port of Wallaroo, Flinders Ports closed public access to the jetty.

The company managed to roll out all safety measures under the safety management plan and close its ports before the state-wide power outage brought South Australia to a standstill.

This planning and preparation ahead of the storm front paid off.

“No-one was injured and there was no major damage to our assets or equipment at any of our ports. Being prepared and making safety the top priority was the key to a positive outcome,” said Mr Tremaine.

Healthy focus on Gladstone Harbour

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TRONG commercial fishing catches, increased tourism and extensive marine research programs are a positive indication of the health of Gladstone Harbour.

Gladstone Port Corporation (GPC) Chief Executive Officer, Peter O’Sullivan said it is pleasing to note the amount of research being undertaken on Gladstone Harbour by industry, government and universities, as well as a trend for strong commercial fishing catches.

“GPC is committed to maintaining an environmentally sustainable harbour in conjunction with a world-class port.

“Over the past two decades, GPC has invested more than $125 million towards environmental monitoring, marine research and marine enhancement programs to help mitigate the impacts of port development and operations on the environs of Gladstone Harbour.

“The amount of initiatives being undertaken to ensure the health of the harbour is very

positive and it is also pleasing to note that recent Fisheries Queensland data shows positive results in commercial seafood harvests from Gladstone Harbour,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

The data indicates record levels of catch for some species including mud crabs and banana prawns.

GPC has developed and is administering a Biodiversity Offset Strategy (BOS) to provide for the long-term conservation of threatened

Strong commercial fishing catches, increased tourism and extensive marine research programs are a positive indication of the health of Gladstone Harbour

“Ports of Auckland and Napier Port are the gateways to two of the largest North Island provincial economies with significant growth and demands on infrastructure,” says Ports of Auckland Chief Executive, Tony Gibson.

The partnership will allow Napier and Auckland to work together to find ways to optimise services for freight customers and achieve further scale and efficiencies in the supply chain. It will prompt even greater competitive contestability and resilience in New Zealand’s supply chain to help lower costs to exporters and importers.

“There is a natural fit between Ports of Auckland and Napier Port. We share a similar way of working, common customers and supply chain opportunities and have similar ownership structures so that’s a great base to work from,” he added.

Napier Port Chief Executive, Garth Cowie, says the alliance also creates an opportunity to collaborate, share best practice and innovate in technology, health and safety and sustainability practices, areas where both ports are seeking to advance further.

“Napier Port’s vision is to be Central New Zealand’s leading provider of port and logistics solutions. This alliance fits with the natural flow of freight in the North Island, based on ports close to demand centres and Auckland’s and migratory species including their habitats in the Western Basin area.

The BOS funds various projects in the Gladstone region and wider bioregion from 2012 to at least 2020 that include initiatives such as stormwater pollution control, habitat enhancement and restoration, coral mapping, the development of a regional code of practice for inshore netting, and providing funding for marine rehabilitation facilities in Gladstone.

GPC has also implemented an Ecosystem Research and Monitoring Program (ERMP) to provide high level information on the health of the Port Curtis and Port Alma ecosystems and key species of marine animals.

The information collated is used to monitor, manage and improve the marine environment and to offset any impacts on listed threatened and migratory species and the values of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Mr O’Sullivan said GPC is focused on developing and fostering sustainable

weighting towards imports and our strong export base.

“Both operators are committed to growing our talent so we will be developing a joint talent pool, driving skills development and opportunities like staff exchanges where it makes sense,” he added.

“The alliance is a significant and exciting development for local exporters and the local community,” says Mr Cowie. “Better international freight links will benefit the Hawke’s Bay region, encouraging additional investment and supporting the growth of local employment opportunities.”

“This alliance truly demonstrates what we believe in at ExportNZ, that businesses should consider partnerships and collaboration in order to achieve better results,” said Amanda Liddle, Executive Officer at ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay. “It is a win-win situation for all exporters, as it will lead to an even more streamlined approach.”

The strategic alliance builds on Napier Port and Ports of Auckland’s existing joint venture in Palmerston North’s Longburn regional freight hub and will support Ports of Auckland’s regional freight hub network strategy to manage the growing freight market. This strategy helps to balance freight flows, provides exporters with choice, improves access to overseas markets and reduces exporters’ costs due to supply chain efficiencies.

This development complements the Matariki – Hawke’s Bay Economic Development Strategy $25 million Government package announced recently to support road access improvements to Napier Port. relationships with government, universities and other relevant organisations, such as the Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership (GHHP), to foster an integrated and collaborative approach to managing the health of Gladstone Harbour.

The Gladstone Harbour Report Card, released in 2015 by the GHHP, advised that the harbour met relevant State and Federal Government marine water quality guidelines with the marine environs assessed to be in satisfactory environmental health.

Chairman of the GHHP, Paul Birch said it was very pleasing to see 26 organisations working together to maintain the health of our beautiful harbour.

“The report card clearly showed water quality to be good and habitats to be improving.

“We are very thankful for the great work of GPC and other partners to ensure we maintain the health of Gladstone Harbour,” Mr Birch said.

Australian Ports News - Page 19

Celebration marks official opening of HMAS Gladstone II at East Shores

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LADSTONE Ports Corporation (GPC), together with the Gladstone Maritime Museum, recently celebrated the official opening of the HMAS Gladstone II at a ceremony at the East Shores – Gladstone Coal Exporters Maritime Precinct.

The official opening ceremony was attended by local dignitaries and several of the business and individuals who assisted with the relocation and restoration of the ship.

Commissioned on 8 September 1984, the Gladstone was used in Australia’ fisheries protection, immigration, customs and drug law enforcement.

On advice of its pending decommission from the RAN in 2005, a group of dedicated government and a number of generous local business representatives, as well as avid maritime historians, rallied together to secure the city of Gladstone as the final resting place of its namesake ship, HMAS Gladstone II. On 13 March 2007, after serving for almost 23 years and covering 618,000 nautical miles, the ship was decommissioned in her homeport of Cairns and gifted to the Gladstone Maritime Museum.

On 20 March 2007, HMAS Gladstone sailed into Gladstone Harbour for its final time, where it was presented to Gladstone City Mayor, Peter Corones AM, who then handed the ship over to the Gladstone Maritime Historical Society.

This ship was then moored in Auckland Inlet from 2007 and then to an anchor berth in the Gladstone Marina, and finally relocated in 2014 to its permanent position at GPC’s East Shores Precinct where final restoration and maintenance works were undertaken.

Gladstone Ports Corporation has invested $2.8 million during the relocation and restoration process, assisted by a funding grant of $115,000 awarded through the Queensland Government’s Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure program.

Locals and visitors to Gladstone’s East Shores Precinct can now take part in scheduled tours of the ship, hosted by the Gladstone Maritime Museum.

“We are delighted with the end result and we’re very excited to be able to share the ship and her wonderful story with Gladstone,” said Gladstone Maritime History Society’s President, Lindsay Wassell.

Above: HMAS Gladstone II has been officially opened at the East Shores – Gladstone Coal Exporters Maritime Precinct GPC is very pleased to have the HMAS Gladstone in its final home at the East Shores Precinct, which has been designed to reflect Gladstone’s rich maritime history.

“The efforts of many have resulted in the successful and permanent placement of Gladstone City’s namesake Royal Australian Navy patrol ship, HMAS Gladstone II, now at its final resting place at the East Shores –

GPC achieves record trade again in 2015/16

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LADSTONE Ports Corporation (GPC) is pleased to report the corporation has achieved record throughput tonnages again for the 2015/16 financial year.

GPC’s total trade exceeded 116 million tonnes for the 2015/15 financial year, with trade anticipated to grow to around 130 million tonnes per year in the next five years.

Significant contributors to this growth have been the expansion of GPC’s existing RG Tanna Coal Terminal (RGTCT), the development of the new Wiggins Island Coal Terminal (WICT), and the development of three LNG plants in the Port of Gladstone, which have the potential to generate approximately 24 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year.

CEO, Peter O’Sullivan said GPC was in a strong positon at the end of the financial year, as the corporation continues to focus on improving its safety performance and developing new business opportunities across its three port precincts of Gladstone, Rockhampton and Bundaberg.

“Key trade performance was again dominated by coal, with 72.1 million tonnes traded through the Port of Gladstone.

“GPC’s financial performance was again strong in 2015/16, with solid returns from an expanding customer base,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

GPC’s 2015/16 Annual Report will be released in October.

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Gladstone Coal Exporters Maritime Precinct,” said GPC Chairman, Leo Zussino.

“Almost $3 million has been invested in the project to secure, restore and relocate the ship, and this could not have been done without the passion and commitment of many of our regions’ generous individuals, businesses, industry, State and Federal Governments, Gladstone City Council and Gladstone Ports Corporation.

“This project has been a culmination of efforts by many over the past decade and in the near future, a commemorative plaque will be installed recognising the contributions of the individuals, businesses and industries involved in securing, relocating and restoring this significant piece of Gladstone’s history.”

For information about tours of the HMAS Gladstone II, please contact the Gladstone Maritime Museum on 07 4972 0810.