TASPORTS has announced a $2.4 million investment in the construction of a multi-user ro-ro ramp at Tasmania’s Port of Devonport.
The project aligns with a goal to meet the shipping needs of King Island, located off the north-west coast of Tasmania.
Scheduled to be operational by March this year, the ramp is expected to act as a long-term solution which will support King Island’s freight task.
The task is driven by the island’s economic dependence on reliable shipping services at fair prices.
“Through consultation and feedback we know that the King Island community’s preferred Tasmanian port call is Devonport,” TasPorts acting CEO Stephen Casey said.
“This has been re-confirmed in recent discussion with shippers, customers and the King Island Shipping Group.”
The development will be undertaken on the western side of the Mersey River, south of Devonport Berth 5 West.
Preliminary works commenced onsite in early January following the awarding of a construction contract to local Tasmanian company BridgePro Engineering.
“Along with a new ro-ro ramp, the project will also see the installation of two independent fender piles to provide additional berthing support and complement existing infrastructure at Berth 5 West,” Mr Casey said.
Once the ramp is completed, TasPorts’ subsidiary Bass Island Line (BIL) will transition its mainland Tasmanian port of call from Bell Bay to Devonport.
BIL will then look to cease its regular Victorian port of call which has reportedly continued to see a decline in demand and is no longer operationally viable.
“In considering this transition, BIL is currently reviewing transhipment options from Devonport to Victoria,” Mr Casey said.
“We know and understand from consultation with the King Island community that this is an important consideration.
“This $2.4 million investment signals our commitment to supporting King Island’s freight task at one of Tasmania’s primary trade gateways, the Port of Devonport.”
