WESTERN Australian company TAMS Group has been awarded a contract to build a new outer wall at Port Hedland as part of the Nelson Point Tug Haven upgrade.
The outer wall is part of stage two of the $72.5-million upgrade project.
Built in 1985, the tug haven has deteriorated because of cyclones and wear-and-tear from more powerful and larger tugboats mooring.
The new tug haven outer sheet wall will be designed to better withstand severe weather.
Stage two of the project will also include demolition of the existing outer wall and the installation of gangways and pontoons.
Ports minister Rita Saffioti said ports in the Pilbara are playing an integral role in delivering WA exports to the world.
“Given how critical our ports are, we need to make sure we grow and maintain the infrastructure, so that we continue to harness the economic opportunities that are available,” she said.
“Last year, tugboats guided more than 6600 large vessels into and out of the Port of Port Hedland – which is why it is essential we provide fit-for-purpose infrastructure to safely house them.”
As part of the contract awarded to TAMS, Pilbara-based businesses are also set to provide works valued at $3.25 million.
Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said the project is an example of how local businesses are benefiting from investment in the Pilbara region.
“It’s brilliant that local businesses have the opportunity to work on major projects within the communities they live, reinjecting money back into the local economy.”
The first stage of the project to stabilise the tug haven revetments began in October 2021.
All upgrades to the tug haven are expected to be completed by mid-2024.
