DECOMMISSIONING work has finished on two shiploaders at Auckland Point Berth 1 at Gladstone, in what port management have described as “the end of an era”.
Designed in the mid-1960s the machines have more than 100 years of service between them.
Gladstone Ports Corporations acting chief executive Craig Walker said coal, woodchip and calcite were all significant commodities loaded at Berth 1.
“Coal was originally loaded through Auckland Point prior to RG Tanna Coal Terminal coming online in April of 1980,” Mr Walker said.
“Since coal transitioned from Auckland Point the key export products have been woodchip and calcite. These products are now shipped from our Barney Point Terminal to make way for East Shores Stage 1B.”
Mr Walker said the old calcite stockpiles were where their new Cruise Terminal would sit, with existing infrastructure a key design feature.
According to GPC, within the 2019/20 financial year, some $630,000 has been budgeted for electrical upgrades at Auckland Point Berth 1, expected to be completed by June this year.
This work is complimentary to several improvement projects intended to enhance and support the growing tourism industry in Gladstone.
Further works to the berth, including wharf strengthening and fendering improvements have been identified in coming years to allow for increased numbers of cruise ships.
Auckland Point Terminal is to continue to be used for its import and export capabilities, with commodities such as dry bulk, bulk liquids and other general cargo.
