Kerman wins NSW ports contract

Applecross-based Kerman Contracting has won a $67 million deal for the design and construction of a grain export facility for Quattro Ports, a joint venture between Qube Holdings, Noble Group, Cargill Australia and Emerald Grain.

The new grain export terminal at Port Kembla, in New South Wales, will be designed to cater for a minimum throughput capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per annum, with the commodity to be received by rail and road. 

“This project is an important step in the process of establishing a new port logistics chain that services the needs of a competitive grain market,” Quattro Ports chairman Tony Day said. 

Development of the terminal will comprise of a road receival hopper, a rail receival facility, an elevated overland inloading conveyor system, eight flat bottom and nine small cone bottom silos at the grain storage area, bucket elevators and conveyors for materials handling, ship loading conveyor and batch weighing system, weigh bridge and control buildings.

Kerman said the partnership with its major sub-contractor, Kotzur, would provide the best possible design and construction outcome.

Kerman, as head contractor, said it would be able to contribute its extensive experience in the delivery of large design and construct projects, while Kotzur would contribute with innovative structural, mechanical solutions for the grain storage area. 

“Quattro is confident that in selecting Kerman it has a partner who will deliver this important new development on time and on budget,” Mr Day said. 

The construction works are due to start in mid-July 2014 with an estimated completion in October 2015.