A SHIPLOADER and berth replacement project has concluded at BHP’s Hay Point Coal Terminal.

The project – known as SABR – involved replacement works that required 15,000 tonnes of steel.

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) owns the coal export terminal. It is located about 40 kilometres south of Mackay, linking to Central Queensland mines via a rail port network.

BHP said the project and replacement works would reinforce BMA’s ability to deliver coal in the future.

BHP head of asset projects Gaia Antoniucci said teams and different organisations worked tirelessly to ensure the project ran without any major issues.

“The completion of the SABR project will improve the terminal’s cyclone immunity and ensure its long-term sustainability,” she said.

Most of the SABR project infrastructure was built in controlled environments, which BHP said minimised workers’ exposure to the danger of high-risk activities such as working over water environments.

The project absorbed more than 250,000 work hours during construction over three years and supported almost 700 BMA and contractor personnel working over the life of the project to carry out the transformation.

BMA general manager at Hay Point Linda Murry said the project was an investment for Central Queensland.

“The terminal is a very busy place, which is constantly working for our customers. It needs to be at its best to ensure BMA remain the world’s largest exporter of seaborne metallurgical coal.

“This has not just been an investment for BMA, but for Central Queensland more broadly.

“Hay Point’s increased capacity will drive economic growth throughout the region well beyond this port. We’re hugely proud of our ongoing contribution to Central Queensland.”

The Hay Point Coal Terminal has undergone multiple expansion projects over its lifespan. BHP said it as a critical piece of infrastructure in BMA’s logistics portfolio.

A celebration to mark the completion of the project last week included tours of the upgraded terminal, a welcome-to-Country and smoking ceremony by Yuwi elder Uncle Philip Kemp. and a dinner with project partners and local dignitaries.