International container port very much on agenda, pair say
Stevedore DP World Australia and Tasmanian and the Tasmanian Ports Corporation (Tasports) have reiterated that their Burnie international container port development plans still stand.
The failure of the federal Coalition’s shipping reform earlier this year led to speculation on the project’s future but the partners are making positive noises about it.
“There is a firm proposal on the table being negotiated in good faith between the two parties which is commercial in confidence at this point,” they say.
Tasports and DP World propose to provide a staged investment in new port infrastructure and capacity enhancements for the terminal, worth an initial minimum of $20 million.
The phased approach will allow large ships access to the Tasmanian market and provide Tasmania exporters with greater choice and access to world markets.
Tasports CEO Paul Weedon welcomed DP World Australia’s renewed commitment to progress plans to develop a full-service international container terminal in Burnie.
“The Port of Burnie is a strategic piece of port infrastructure required for the future of Tasmania,” Weedon says.
“Tasports’ 30 Year Port Plan clearly identifies Burnie as the State’s future largest natural gateway for container freight into and out of the State.”
DP World Australia MD and CEO Paul Scurrah insists a successful development will mean economic boosts for the town and the state.
“We are committed to connecting Tasmania with the world economy,” Scurrah says.
“Tasmanian exports are set to grow as soon as we can get direct shipping connections to major international ports, and the cities of Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
“The project is fantastic news for Burnie, the local economy and its citizens. We are proud to be associated with the town.’’
DP World Australia chief commercial officer Brian Gillespie reckons allowing greater access to regular international container services would significantly reduce shipping costs for export and import containerised freight.
DP World Australia expects to recruit a new workforce with 40 new positions required at launch.