PCQ WARNS OF SAFETY CONCERNS
Ports Corporation of Queensland (PCQ) has embarked on major offshore works as part of its plan to increase the Abbot Point port capacity to 50 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).
PCQ’s Chief Executive Officer, Brad Fish commented that given the size of this expansion, it is critical for the safety of all concerned that vessel owners and operators exercise extreme caution when in the vicinity surrounding the construction area.
“All mariners are encouraged to avoid the area if possible during the construction period due to the level of activity, size of equipment being installed and the number of construction vessels operating around the terminal”, he said.
During the construction operations, construction vessels will be towing piles and barges to mooring positions three kilometres offshore located behind the new berth. Each pile is driven into the ocean using a 14 tonne hydraulic hammer.
“Safety of the public and the construction workforce is our paramount concern at all times and reduced boating traffic in the general area of the terminal will help to ensure that we minimise the possibility of accidents occurring “, Mr Fish said.
Offshore works involve installing a second berth, associated conveyors and a shiploader to create an additional wharf structure at the port that will allow two vessels to load at any time.
These offshore works are part of the $818 million X50 expansion project that also includes building three new stacker reclaimer machines, a new bund and two new stockpile rows
The X50 expansion will be completed by 2011.
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