TASPORTS is preparing to begin restitution works at Burnie’s Berth 4, the Strait Link ro-ro terminal.
Last August TasPorts was forced to impose restrictions on parts of Strait Link’s Burnie base after areas of scouring were discovered beneath the quay wall. At the time CEO Anthony Donald said while there were no indications the infrastructure would fail, TasPorts had mobilised a dedicated project team to undertake immediate remediation works and upgrades to modern standards.
“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,” Mr Donald said.
“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.
TasPorts now reports “significant progress’ on the essential infrastructure works at Berth 4, as well as widening an existing temporary ramp apron at Berth 5 to act as a contingency if required during Berth 4 reconstruction.
Group Executive – Major Projects, Assets and Technical Services, Michel de Vos, said minimising operational disruption during these critical works had been a priority throughout the planning process.
“TasPorts has worked closely with key customers to develop a plan that allows Berth 5 to serve as a contingency option while strengthening works are undertaken at Berth 4,” Mr de Vos said.
“At present, Berth 4 remains fully operational, with engineering and prefabrication works well underway. On-site construction is scheduled to commence following final approvals.”
He said the Berth 5 ramp extension works, which began in December, are now substantially complete. Ahead of the introduction of the then Toll Shipping’s new vessels in 2019 Berth 5 was temporarily used, via the specially-constructed ramp apron at Berth 5
“We have also completed detailed planning to ensure Berth 5 can function as a contingency berth, including mooring, fendering and operational constraints analysis. Additional modifications to further enhance contingency operations have also been identified.”
BridgePro is leading works to Berth 4, with off-site works already underway, and on-site works to commence as soon as Berth 5 is finalised.
“Works will be coordinated in line with shipping schedules to minimise disruption with the aim for Strait Link to remain operating out of Berth 4. Berth 5 works are to provide a contingency only if this is required to mitigate freight disruption for TasPorts’ customer. Berth 4 works are expected to be finalised by October 2025,” Mr de Vos said.
