Queensland’s Port of Townsville has announced a $55m investment to modernise Berth 4, as part of its efforts to double its capacity.
Ports Minister Mark Bailey said the investment would enable another two million tonnes of product to go through the port every year.
Bailey said: “Townsville is northern Australia’s largest general cargo and container port.
“This $55m investment will deliver economic benefits to Townsville and it demonstrates the need to keep vital assets such as this in public hands.”
Under the upgrade project, a landside cargo handling area would also be constructed and improvements will be delivered to the intermodal transfer of cargo for road and rail.
Following completion of the upgrades, Berth 4 will be able to receive Panamax-size 4,500teu vessels.
Minister assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said the Berth 4 upgrade would create about 100 jobs during construction.
“It will provide jobs when jobs and job security are more important than ever.
“The investment will enable access for larger vessels and also deliver a 20% increase in total tonnage throughput.”
Located 1,360km north of Brisbane, the Port of Townsville serves as the primary sea link to local mineral and agricultural regions, industrial heartlands and regional population centres.
Annually, the port’s nine operational berths handle $8bn in trade. More than 20 shipping lines operate out of the port, offering more than 40 services and covering 136 ports worldwide.