A new ship unloader and conveyor system that features a state-of-the-art crane is being constructed at the Port of Newcastle.
In June 2018, Port of Newcastle announced it would invest $33 million into the new system, which includes conveyor infrastructure and an electrical substation.
The Port of Newcastle’s principle contractor Kerman Contracting will deliver the overall project, with the design and construction of the new craned to be completed by its partner Tenova Takraf.
The crane will be constructed in Vietnam and is due to arrive in the port in early 2020.
Two old ship unloaders have been dismantled at Kooragang 2 berth and have been a part of the Walsh Point precinct since 1968.
Kooragang 2 and 3 berths remain the busiest and most diverse common user berths in the port, handling a range of dry bulk and liquid bulk commodities.
Port of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Marine and Operations Keith Wilks said the replacement of the old ship unloaders was driven by the port’s commitment to working with its customers and anticipating their future needs.
“Our customers have requested more capacity to grow their cargo volumes and the new unloader will have a capacity of 1,000 tonne per hour, a significant increase from the current average rates of 230 tonnes per hour,” Wilks said.
We have also implemented a new service model to improve environmental performance and ensure regulatory compliance. Our approach is to embed a more consistent, streamlined approach to environmental performance at the Terminal, whilst at the same time driving efficiency and maximising trade growth.”