First Ship Loads at Abbot Point New Coal Berth

The first ship to receive coal from the largest government funded port expansion project undertaken in Queensland is getting ready to leave Port of Abbot Point, north of Bowen.

Marine Infrastructure Minister Craig Wallace said the expansion of the Port of Abbot Point was being managed by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) and was a huge vote of support for Queensland’s vital natural resources industry..

The first ship, the Luminous Halo, is a small Handymax vessel capable onto which 44,000 tonnes of coal will be loaded. It is scheduled to leave Abbot Point today.

“This is a significant milestone for the economy of Queensland and shows our commitment to meeting the international demand for Queensland coal,” Mr Wallace said.

“This berth and the adjacent existing berth will more than double the current export capacity from a nominal 21 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to a nominal 50 Mtpa of capacity by the middle of the year.

“Queensland Treasury is looking after the long-term lease of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal.

“We’re also developing two new coal terminals Abbot Point by preferreddevelopers BHP Billiton and Hancock Coal Pty Ltd.

“These two additional terminals will potentially increase overall coal export capacity at the port to a nominal 110 Mtpa, with the scope to increase capacity up to 160 Mtpa, subject to all relevant approvals.

“To accommodate the anticipated growth in exports, NQBP is planning a multi cargo facility which will support a range of industries and could accommodate up to 12 cape-size vessels.

“This innovative facility is designed to support the growth in the export of coal and other cargoes.”

The multi cargo facility will allow for growth within proposed site and will provide shared access for a range of industries, avoiding the need for multiple port facilities along the Queensland coast which might encroach on the marine park.

“The Queensland Government, through NQBP, plays a pivotal role in making sure port growth is sustainable and can support a range of industries using the Abbot Point State Development Area,” Mr Wallace said.

The first ship, the Luminous Halo, is a small Handymax vessel capable onto which 44,000 tonnes of coal will be loaded.

Additional Notes on Abbot Point Expansion X50

·This is the largest government funded port expansion project to be undertaken in Queensland

·The new shiploader will allow coal to be loaded at a peak rate of 7,200 tonnes per hour

·The shiploader was fully fabricated in Brisbane and the four new stacker reclaimers for Abbot Point were built primarily in Queensland.

·The X50 Expansion Project includes the construction of a second berth located 2.75 kilometres off-shore that will involve the installation of about 9,500 tonnes of structural steel and a 2.9 kilometres of conveyors to transport the coal from the stockyard to the ships.

·The program of expansion works began in 2008.

·The State Government has signed a $1.8 billion 99 year agreement to lease the facility to a subsidiary of Indian mining group Adani. This will involve NQBP, on behalf of the State Government, continuing to own this land and the infrastructure that is fixed to the land (such as the jetty).

·The lease of the existing terminal will not impact the further developments at the port, including development of terminals 2 and 3 by BHP Billiton Limited and Hancock Coal Pty Ltd respectively nor the proposed development of the MCF and additional coal handling terminals.

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