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Port of Burnie doubles shipping capacity

The Port of Burnie has replaced its over 50-year-old shiploader with an upgraded model to double its shipping capacity

The Port of Burnie has doubled its shipping capacity through the installation of a new shiploader through an $82 million investment from the federal government.

The old shiploader at the port was constructed in 1969 and had previously operated for well over 50 years. It’s upgraded replacement has already loaded over 40,000 tonnes of freight.

The new shiploader has been installed alongside a new wharf galley conveyer that connects the existing bulk minerals export facility (BMEF) to rail and road networks for the transfer of products for export.

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The next section of the project will see the existing BMEF expanded, with the new round of works already underway.

“Replacing aging infrastructure at the Port of Burnie will dramatically boost ship loading rates, creating jobs across Tasmania,” Federal Minister for Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King says.

“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.”

The expanded project is the result of years of collaboration between the federal government and Tasmania’s state-owned rail enterprise, TasRail.

TasRail CEO Steven Dietrich says the upgraded port will help Tasmania’s mining sector continue to remain competitive within the Australian mining landscape.

“TasRail is proud to have facilitated this project for the Tasmanian mining industry,” Dietrich says.

“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.

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

In the last financial year TasRail shiploaded over 575,000 tonnes of concrete for export.

The $82 million federal government funding included an added $16 million from the 2024-25 Budget. Its completion will support a further 500 jobs in the Tasmanian economy.

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