A massive delivery of quicklime to the Port of Esperance has marked a new first for the busy port.
More than 10,400 tonnes of bagged quicklime was unpacked from the ship the Karla Bulker, destined for mineral processing operations across the Goldfields-Esperance region.
The ship used its own cranes to deliver the materials to the port.
The quicklime delivery is part of a diversification play by the port which has also recently sealed a deal with CSBP to import about 50,000 tonnes of fertiliser and store it on site for distribution to customers across the state.
That deal provided the impetus for a $2.6 million upgrade of Shed 5 at the port, including concrete flooring and upgraded conveyor infrastructure.
The new trade further extends diversification at the Port of Esperance, with Southern Ports welcoming its newest iron ore customer, Yilgarn Iron, in December.
Last year, the Port of Esperance handled 8.2 million tonnes of trade for 24 customers across 22 different commodities.
Ports and Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson says the expanded capacity of the port would strengthen its business in the future.
“Diversifying trade at Esperance positions the port for long-term growth and reinforces the port’s role as a critical gateway for the region’s economy,” Dawson says.
“Efficient access to critical imports like fertiliser underpins the agricultural sector – it sets up our growers for the bumper seasons like the one we’re experiencing this year.”
Southern Ports chief executive officer Keith Wilks says the new deals make the most of the port infrastructure.
“Export opportunities have traditionally been the driving force behind our three ports, but we know that importing through regional ports is a chance for suppliers to more directly service their customers,” Wilks says.
“Whether its exporting or importing, Southern Ports is committed to working with customers to connect regional industry and build resilience into both our operations and the region’s supply chain.”