Urea export, cruises eyed for new Dampier wharf

Construction of a new wharf in Dampier to accommodate urea exports and other bulk cargo has gone to tender.

The wharf will sit south of Dampier’s existing cargo wharf and enable 290-metre Panamax class ships to use the terminal for trade.

Current wharfs on site are 210 and 143 metres and can accommodate cargo ships, small craft and supply vessels.

Pilbara Ports Authority last week released tender documents for construction over two phases of a bulk handling facility, link bridge to existing facility, and refurbishment of the old cargo wharf.

The $195 million project is mostly funded through a $160 million Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility loan, with further funds earmarked from the state government.

The primary user is expected to be Perdaman Resources’ $6.4 billion urea plant on Murujuga, where construction began in April.

General cargo, cruise ships and offshore support vessels will also be able to berth at the bulk handling facility.

A link bridge between the new and existing facilities will ensure trade can continue while refurbishments to the 1980s-built wharf are undertaken.