Berth refurbishment works to commence in Great Southern

Berth refurbishment works at Southern Ports Authority’s regional ports at Albany and Bunbury are set to commence after WA-based TAMS Group was awarded two contracts totalling $4.5 million.

The works program includes a $2.5 million refurbishment of the Port of Albany’s Berth 3 – the Port’s most utilised berth which over the past year facilitated a record export of 3.75 million tonnes of Western Australian grain. 

An additional $2 million will be invested in the Port of Bunbury to maintain its multi-user and multi-commodity Berth 8 – the essential infrastructure which underpins the Port’s capacity for the growing trade in spodumene and other export commodities.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said the works program will ensure the ports’ critical infrastructure continues to be safe, efficient and capable of meeting current and future trade demand.

“Put simply, investing in our infrastructure means optimising trade outcomes for our customers. It means that our ports can remain efficient and operational 24/7 to meet current demand, while also positioning us well for future growth,” said Mr Wilks.

“Our ports already export the largest volume of lithium out of Western Australia, and as a key facilitator of our state’s trade in critical minerals and battery minerals, it’s exciting to know the investment in maintenance of our critical port infrastructure will allow future trade prospects to be harnessed.”

TAMS Group Chief Executive Officer, Lee Bartlett said they are pleased to secure the contracts.

“TAMS is very pleased to secure these contracts from Southern Ports to upgrade the infrastructure and facilities at the Ports of Albany and Bunbury,” said Mr Bartlett.

“The works will improve the ports’ longevity, while expanding capacity, trade, and jobs in the region.”

The Port of Albany’s Berth 3 has served the port and the region for more than 50 years and is today the Port’s most utilised berth. Last year alone, it facilitated a record export of 3.75 million tonnes of Western Australian grain.

“This $2.5 million investment in the Port of Albany’s berth refurbishment is essential to the ongoing operation of the port and the region’s economic prosperity,” said Mr Wilks.

Southern Ports General Manager Port Development (Interim) Iain Robinson with TAMS CEO Lee Bartlett