Geraldton port in new project push

THE Geraldton Port Authority has hit back at claims that it is not coping with current throughput demand but admits some shipping delays and is investigating requirements to increase its capacity.

GPA Peter George said a recent independent review had found the port could cope with current levels and even increased levels of tonnage, however, this would not be without some shipping delays.

“Comments that the port is not coping are not really accurate and is not really supported with the amount of tonnage being exported,” he said.

“The GPA is sending through probably record tonnage at present and is coping. There are some delays to shipping, particularly at the minerals berth, when compared to historical levels when the port had far less tonnage demands on it.”

However, Mr George said the GPA had been “busily working on the issues of present and future growth potential” at the port.

On May 21 the GPA board endorsed a plan to increase port capacity to meet future medium-term demand.

That endorsement came as the Western Australian Government signed off on a nearby onshore oil project, suggesting the port had potential to become an oil exporter.

Last week WA Business News reported the Government was investigating a port reconfiguration worth between $3 million and $10 million to cope with growing, mostly iron ore, exports.

The port recently underwent a $103 million expansion but since iron ore exports commenced earlier this year, and on top of a record grain harvest, there have been concerns about mineral contamination, congestion and port expenses – particularly a new surcharge.

Mr George said a copy of the independent report into the port had been sent to all present and some prospective users of the minerals berth for comment some time ago but to his knowledge there had been no feedback.

In response to more recent concerns about delays, Mr George said the GPA was working on fitting in a new, large project in a short timeframe.

He said iron ore explorer Midwest understandably wanted to be exporting now, however, such projects usually take time.

“Their proposal is for multi millions of tonnes per year and requires considerable focus on equipment, environment, commercial terms, port planning and infrastructure,” Mr George said.

“There are probably very few ports that could accommodate a project of this size within the 12 months timeframe we are trying to work within.

“The good news is that now the port deepening has been done it is actually possible for the project to be commenced.”

He dismissed concerns about a talc exporter shipping through Bunbury earlier this year because of contamination fears, saying it was not an issue and only a trial.

Mr George said the surcharge, payable to the port and not the Government, for the recent expansion, had been negotiated before iron ore exports commenced.