Contract awarded for $33.5M Port Hedland upgrade

A $33.5 million contract has been awarded to replace the Berth 3 deck and fender at the Port of Port Hedland in Western Australia after York Civil entered voluntary administration in 2018.

Specialist mooring installation and maintenance contractor Total AMS Pty Ltd will now commence construction works, including the demolition of the existing deck, construction of a new reinforced deck, installation of new wharf fenders and other ancillary works.

The project’s initial design and construction contract had been awarded to York Civil, however this was terminated when the company ceased trading in 2018.

The upgrade is a pilot project under the Western Australian Government’s WA Industry Participation Strategy (WAIPS), designed to maximise opportunities for WA business to secure work on government contracts.

Total AMS’s Participation Plan estimated the project will directly deliver 50 local jobs, with more than 20 subcontractor positions. Around 75 per cent of the workforce will be Pilbara-based.

Originally constructed in the late 1960s, Berth 3 is a multi-user berth that is primarily used for the export of salt and import of fuels. The deck was replaced in 1988 due to deterioration.

Pilbara Ports Authority engaged key subcontractors to complete preparatory demolition work and the design and material supply before inviting tenders for the construction of the project.

WA Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Berth 3 deteriorated as a result of the harsh, salty environment.

“This project will use technology advances and a better understanding of the working environment to provide a deck that is expected to last for 50 years,” Ms. MacTiernan said.

“We are committed to providing the best port infrastructure to support users to facilitate ongoing trade, which in turn will sustain local jobs and local industry.

“The project will require periodic closure of the berth however, Pilbara Ports Authority has worked closely with port users, including Dampier Salt Ltd, to put in place an agreed access arrangement and to minimise disruption to their important trade activities,” she said.