GERALDTON Port is staking its claim for more trade.
The port’s number one and two berths have just been reopened after a $2.7 million refurbishment.
Also underway is the $150 million Southern Access Corridor series of projects involving roads and railways.
Geraldton Port CEO John Durant said the refurbishment of berths one and two had opened up many opportunities for the port.
The two berths will now become Geraldton Port’s first dedicated lay by facilities for vessel inspection and servicing.
Previously, vessels had to use the port’s loading berths for inspections and surveys, causing costly delays on other vessels waiting to load as they were forced to anchor at sea.
Berths one and two will also be used for bulk fertiliser receival and livestock loading.
The port will now also be to naval vessels and cruise ships which were previously unable to stop over at Geraldton because all berths were fully utilised by ships carrying grain and mineral sands.
With reduced waiting times, Geraldton is looking to secure grain loads that are now shipped from Fremantle.
It is understood the port is also making a claim for goods shipments from the northern Goldfields.
A number of these go through Esperance or are transported to Fremantle via rail.
Mr Durant said he considered the proposed port at Oakajee, north of Geraldton, offered opportunity for both ports.
