BERTH refurbishment at the ports of Albany and Bunbury is ready to begin under a $4.5 million program. Southern Ports on Monday announced the contract for the program.
The program includes a $2.5 million refurbishment of Berth 3 at Port of Albany. The berth is the most used berth at the port; it facilitated a record export of 3.75 million tonnes of Western Australian grain over the past year.
An additional $2 million will be invested in the Port of Bunbury to maintain its multi-user and multi-commodity Berth 8.
Southern Ports said Berth 8 which underpins the port’s capacity for the growing trade in spodumene and other export commodities.
TAMS Group of Western Australia received the $4.5 million contract for the refurbishment program.
Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said the works would ensure the ports’ infrastructure continues to be safe, efficient and capable of meeting current and future trade demand.
“It means that our ports can remain efficient and operational 24/7 to meet current demand, while also positioning us well for future growth,” Mr Wilks said.
“Our ports already export the largest volume of lithium out of Western Australia, and as a key facilitator of our state’s trade in critical minerals and battery minerals, it’s exciting to know the investment in maintenance of our critical port infrastructure will allow future trade prospects to be harnessed.”
Mr Wilks highlighted the plans for Berth 3 at the Port of Albany, noting the berth has served the port and region for more than 50 years.
“This $2.5 million investment in the Port of Albany’s berth refurbishment is essential to the ongoing operation of the port and the region’s economic prosperity,” he said.
TAMS Group CEO Lee Bartlett said the business was pleased to secure the contracts to upgrade the port infrastructure and facilities.
“The works will improve the ports’ longevity, while expanding capacity, trade, and jobs in the region,” Mr Bartlett said.
