INVESTORS are being sought for a new deepwater port at Exmouth in Western Australia.

The WA Investments website says the proposed Gascoyne Marine Complex is seeking investments of $251 to $500 million.

The website said the complex 10 kilometres south of Exmouth would be a multi-user, carbon neutral marine facility – the first of its kind in Western Australia.

“Gascoyne Gateway Ltd (GGL) is developing this deep-water port terminal to support the renewable energy industry, defence, tourism, agriculture, and rare earths sectors,” the investment document said. 

“The port facility will include three precincts: port terminal, renewable energy/desalination and bulk liquids/fuel storage.

“GGL is committed to preserving the location’s distinct values while enabling exponential regional economic growth.

“The project is currently undergoing definitive feasibility studies with planned operational commencement by 2029.”

The port aims to serve a diverse range of customers, including Defence, Border Force, cruise liners, superyachts, rare earth and critical mineral projects, decommissioning of ageing gas assets, large-scale renewable projects, bulk and break-bulk cargo, and regional supply-chain needs.

Founded in late 2019, the project has been awarded lead agency status by the West Australian Government.

GGMC is projected to create 70 full-time jobs during operations, with an additional 120 indirect jobs.

The company says it will champion the concept of a ‘green port terminal’ and set new standards for environmental responsibility and regional decarbonisation.

The project is currently in the feasibility stage, which the company said is well advanced, with a definitive feasibility study, costing, engineering, technical studies, risk management, approvals and stakeholder engagement.

The complex will include a marine facility accommodating commercial sized vessels via a marine complex with tug harbour, five to eight vessel berth, multi-purpose use, with land and water jetty facilities.

The land facilities will offer commercial cargo handling and storage options.

There will be a focus on feasible commercial scale eco-energy generation, supply and storage including option consideration of solar and hydrogen. A sustainable potable water supply will be enabled via a desalination plant.

Bulk liquids and fuel storage would replace storage at Point Murat, which is inside the marine park.