Port of Burnie shiploader complete, doubling capacity

Tasmania’s largest cargo port has doubled its loading capacity, supporting 500 jobs and boosting the state’s economy.

The Albanese Government provided $82 million to fully fund the new Shiploader and expanded bulk minerals export facility at the Port of Burnie, which opens today.

This is a significant investment in North-West Tasmania, strengthening supply chains, reducing operating costs and increasing freight productivity.

The project has installed a new Shiploader along with a new wharf gallery conveyor that connects the existing Bulk Minerals Export Facilitiy (BMEF) to rail and road networks for the transfer of products for export.  

These upgrades enable the handling of increasing freight volumes, securing the state’s export supply chain for the future. 

The old Shiploader at the Port of Burnie was built in 1969 and had been operating for well over 50 years, making a new structure vital. 

The upgraded shiploader is now operational and has loaded over 40,000 tonnes of freight. 

Expansion of the BMEF will be the final component of works to complete the upgrades, planning for which is well underway.

The project is creating over 140 direct and indirect jobs during construction and will support an estimated 425 ongoing jobs in related industries.

The Australian Government’s $82 million investment includes an extra $16 million from the 2024-25 Budget. 

While this is fully funded by the Australian Government, it is the culmination of many years of hard work and strong collaboration with TasRail. 

It is one of a number of projects that the Australian Government and TasRail have worked effectively on in recent times.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Replacing aging infrastructure at the Port of Burnie will dramatically boost ship loading rates, creating jobs across Tasmania.

“The vital upgrades will make port operations more reliable and cost effective, securing the State’s minerals export supply chain.

“Investments like these deliver on our commitment to building strong and sustainable regions through support for local industries.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania Anne Urquhart:

“Today’s official opening of the Shiploader is testament to the importance of collaboration, with this opening marking the culmination of many years of hard work and strong collaboration between TasRail and the Australian Government.”

“This project will see Tasmania’s largest cargo port doubling its loading capacity in a major boost for the State’s economy, thanks to the Australian Government that fully funded the $82 million project.”

Quotes attributable to TasRail CEO Steven Dietrich:

“TasRail is proud to have facilitated this project for the Tasmanian mining industry. Our facility at the Port of Burnie has been the primary export gateway for many of the West Coast mines for more than 50 years.

“In the last financial year, TasRail shiploaded 575,047 thousand tonnes of concentrate for export. 

“Our new shiploader provides certainty to TasRail’s existing customers and will help to attract investment into new mining projects in Tasmania. 

“We thank the Australian Government for its on-going support for rail infrastructure in Tasmania and all of the contractors and stakeholders who have helped to ensure the project’s success.”