THE PORT of Esperance is bolstering its imports with new deals with Pacific Lime and Cement and CSBP Fertilisers.
To cater for the growing trade the state government has spent $2.6 million in shed improvements.
The improvement works on Shed 5 at the port have been completed this month, and include concrete flooring, structural remediation of the columns, roof trusses and conveyor infrastructure, and refurbishment of the weighbridge.
In a first for the port, Pacific Lime and Cement successfully discharged more than 10,400 tonnes of bagged quicklime from the Karla Bulker, delivered in just under 7000, 1500-kilogram bulker bags and unloaded using the vessel's cranes.
The quicklime, which is used in mineral processing operations across the Goldfields-Esperance region, was sourced from Pacific Lime and Cement's Chinese partners and supports regional supply chains while the company continues to develop its quicklime operations in Papua New Guinea as a future source of imports.
Following a successful trial last year, Southern Ports has also entered a new agreement with CSBP which will see around 50,000 tonnes of fertiliser unloaded and stored on site at the port before being transported offsite.
The new clients add to the port’s newest iron ore customer, Yilgarn Iron, which started shipments in December.
A state government media release said that last year, the Port of Esperance handled 8.2 million tonnes of trade for 24 customers across 22 different commodities, underscoring its growing role as a diversified and resilient regional gateway.
Ports minister Stephen Dawson said diversifying trade at Esperance positions the port for long-term growth and reinforces the port's role as a critical gateway for the region's economy.
"Efficient access to critical imports like fertiliser underpins the agricultural sector—it sets up our growers for the bumper seasons like the one we're experiencing this year,” Mr Dawson said.
Southern Ports chief executive officer Keith Wilks said export opportunities traditionally have been the driving force behind its three ports, but importing through regional ports is a chance for suppliers to more directly service their customers.
"Whether its exporting or importing, Southern Ports is committed to working with customers to connect regional industry and build resilience into both our operations and the region's supply chain," Mr Wilks said.