TAMS wins $33 million tender

Marine services company TAMS Group has been awarded the tender for the replacement of Berth 3 deck and fender in Port Hedland six months after previous contractor York Civil went into administration.

TAMS Group provides port services, vessel maintenance and engineering and construction services to the marine and resources sectors.

The company estimated the project will create 50 local jobs, more than 20 subcontractor positions and 75 per cent of the workforce will be based in the Pilbara.

The replacement of Berth 3 is a pilot project under the WA Industry Participation Strategy which maximises opportunities for WA businesses to secure work on government contracts.

Berth 3 was constructed in the late 1960s and is used in the export of salt and the import of fuels.

Ports minister Alannah MacTiernan said Berth 3 had deteriorated as a result of the harsh and salty environment.

“This project will use technology advances and a better understanding of the working environment to provide a deck that is expected to last for 50 years,” she said.

“We are committed to providing the best port infrastructure to support users to facilitate ongoing trade, which in turn will sustain local jobs and local industry.

“The project will require periodic closure of the berth however, Pilbara Ports Authority has worked closely with port users, including Dampier Salt Ltd, to put in place an agreed access arrangement and to minimise disruption to their important trade activities.”

TAMS Group will commence construction including the demolition of the existing deck, construction of a new reinforced concrete deck, installation of wharf fenders and other works.

The project’s initial contract with York Civil was terminated following the company entering voluntary administration and ceasing trading in August 2018.

It is one of three major construction projects in Port Hedland along with Lumsden Point and the Integrated Marine Operation Centre.

The project is expected to be completed in late 2019.