TASPORTS is investing $15 million for a new ship loader at the Port of Bell Bay in order to enhance export capabilities and strengthen critical infrastructure to meet the needs of the state’s vital forestry industry.
The new ship loader will replace equipment that has served the port since 1992, and the port authority expects it will deliver modern features including advanced automation, increased capacity, and improved biosecurity measures.
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the investment demonstrates TasPorts’ commitment to supporting Tasmania’s forestry sector and ensuring the Port of Bell Bay continues to play a key role in the state’s export economy.
“This project is a game-changer for Bell Bay and our forestry customers,” Mr Donald said.
“The new ship loader will provide greater reach, improved clearance for larger vessels, and increased reliability, ensuring we can meet the growing demands of the forestry industry.
“We’ve worked closely with our customers to design a solution that improves efficiency while also addressing key priorities like safety, energy savings, and biosecurity compliance.”
The project includes the installation of an automatic chip sampler, which will replace manual sampling processes, which TasPorts says will deliver faster and more accurate analysis.
Additional equipment will also enable fumigation during the loading process, improving biosecurity compliance and saving time for exporters.
Minister for Infrastructure Kerry Vincent welcomed TasPorts’ commitment to supporting Tasmania’s forestry industry and the significant contribution it makes to the state’s economy.
“This investment by TasPorts responds directly to the needs of the industry,” Mr Vincent said.
“It will ensure faster, more efficient loading of larger vessels now regularly visiting Bell Bay and provide benefits such as enhanced safety features, energy efficiencies, and cyber security advancements”.
