TASPORTS has imposed restrictions on parts of Strait Link’s Burnie base at Berth 4 after areas of scouring were discovered beneath the quay wall.

CEO Anthony Donald said while there were no indications the infrastructure will fail, TasPorts had mobilised a dedicated project team to undertake immediate remediation works and upgrades to modern standards.

“To ensure infrastructure supports safe operations, TasPorts undertakes regular reviews of its asset portfolio across its multi-port network,” Mr Donald said.

“As part of TasPorts’ 2023 Wharf Condition Monitoring Program, areas of scouring were identified beneath the quay wall at Berth Four at the Port of Burnie, which is the current home of Strait Link.  The original mass concrete structure was constructed more than a century ago and has been modified over the years.

“TasPorts has undertaken significant investigative works to fully understand the scope of the issue and through this process has discovered that the wharf’s overall stability does not meet current contemporary standards.

“In addition, there are controls in place to manage the increased risk, and TasPorts has communicated this to Strait Link. The interim risk mitigation measures include avoiding loading on an identified area.”

Berth 4 was previously known as McGaw Pier South, earlier Emu Pier, and was built over the port’s original breakwater.

Strait Link is continuing to utilise Berth 4 for its six-day-a-week overnight service between Burnie and Melbourne with the soon-to-drydock Tasmanian Achiever II and Victorian Reliance II and both parties are working cooperatively on the matter “with both aligned on the importance of marine safety”.

Ahead of the introduction of these, then new, vessels in 2019 Toll Shipping (as it then was) temporarily used a specially-constructed ramp apron at Berth 5, although it’s unclear if that remains an option.

“We appreciate this will provide some level of inconvenience to customers and remain committed to working with Strait Link and other port users, to minimise operational disruptions and expedite a solution,” Mr Donald said.

“We are pleased that TasPorts and Strait Link are working in such a highly collaborative way with a collective focus on port safety and continuity of shipping”.

TasPorts already has its hands full with the modifications to TT Line’s berth at 1 East Devonport to temporarily accommodate the line’s new Spirit of Tasmania ro-paxes, which are due to arrive before the new Berth 3 terminal can be completed (TasPorts has all but completed its part of Berth 3 works).

Nevertheless, Mr Donald said TasPorts was continuing to undertake project planning, including confirming construction methodologies for the urgent works required on Burnie’s Berth 4, as well as planning a longer-term infrastructure solution.  

“As this work continues, TasPorts will further understand the potential impact to broader shipping movements throughout the duration of these works.”