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Posted by Allen Newton
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20 July, 2026
THE PILBARA port of Cape Preston West is to become Mardie Port.
BCI Minerals has begun the formal process to rename the port, signalling the transition of the Pilbara facility toward multi‑user operations and first salt exports.
The renaming does not change the port’s statutory management: Cape Preston West remains under the control and management of Pilbara Ports Authority under the Port Authorities Act 1999.
Separately, the Commonwealth has designated Mardie Port Pty Ltd as the port operator under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003, a security‑operator role that sits alongside Pilbara Ports’ regulatory responsibilities.
The dual structure is consistent with other WA ports where Pilbara Ports oversees port waters while private entities operate specific facilities.
Construction at the port continued to advance during the June quarter, with the jetty reaching 95% completion and dredging progressing past 100,000 cubic metres, more than 30% of the design volume.
Seven of 10 navigation aids have now been installed, and berthing piling at the jetty head began in early July.
The quarter also marked a key logistics milestone with steel cutting for the 16,000‑DWT transhipment vessel Mardie Spirit, officially starting on 30 May.
A BCI delegation led by chair Brian O’Donnell and managing director David Boshoff attended the ceremony with CSL and shipbuilders.
The ceremony marked the moment construction officially began on a vessel that, until now, had existed only in drawings, design discussions and months of collaborative planning.
Chengxi Shipyard is a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and is delivering the vessel in partnership with The CSL Group. The vessel is to form the backbone of Mardie’s export chain, supported initially by the converted Osprey.
Across the broader operation, BCI reported 49 kt of crystallised salt, completion of the first crystalliser train fill, and the start of the second. Construction reached 85%, with the salt wash plant’s concrete works surpassing 90% and major mechanical equipment arriving on site.
The company also drew $89.8 million from its syndicated debt facility and received a $12.5 million contingent payment from the Iron Valley sale.
