KMSB celebrates one year of operation at the Port of Broome

KIMBERLEY Marine Support Base (KMSB) says the first year of operations at Terminal 2 has demonstrated how the floating wharf is expanding what’s possible through the Port of Broome, with new capability across bulk, cruise, livestock, offshore support and defence activity.

Terminal 2 opened on 12 September 2025 and was designed to provide tide‑independent access through Broome’s large tidal range. KMSB says the additional flexibility has already been proven across a wide range of vessel calls and operating scenarios.

In February this year, Terminal 2 became a designated biosecurity entry point, allowing eligible international vessels to use the facility as their first port of call into Australia. The designation was put into practice the following month during an offshore campaign involving multiple platform supply vessels arriving from Singapore. It has since been used for cattle vessels and bulk carriers supporting KMSB operations.

Broome’s first overnight large cruise call was completed in April when Crown Princess berthed at Terminal 2, demonstrating how berth certainty can support extended stays and more flexible itinerary planning.

KMSB also commissioned its high‑flow diesel bunkering pipeline during the year, with Silver Cloud becoming the first vessel fuelled through the system. The infrastructure can deliver fuel at approximately 3300 litres per minute.

Bulk operations reached a new benchmark when MV Belle Rose averaged 458 tonnes per hour across its operation, the fastest sustained bulk loadout achieved at Terminal 2 to date. KMSB said the result demonstrated the value of coordinating berth access, crane capability and landside logistics as one operation.

The terminal’s 50.4‑metre width has also enabled vessels to operate from either side of the wharf. In August, a 19‑metre marine services vessel used the inner berth while a 189‑metre cargo vessel remained alongside the outer berth, with both operations continuing simultaneously. The smaller vessel returned the following day for an urgent delivery, with berth, crane and operational support mobilised without disrupting the cargo operation already underway.

For livestock operators, tide‑independent berth access has provided greater operational certainty during the Kimberley cattle export season, reducing the impact of tidal restrictions on vessel scheduling.

KMSB’s investment also extended beyond the berth, with the company funding major road works at the Port of Broome entrance, including a new roundabout, road realignment, drainage upgrades and utility works to improve access across the precinct.

One of the strongest indicators from Terminal 2’s first year has been repeat visitation, with 76% of vessel calls coming from vessels that had previously used the facility.

KMSB managing director Andrew Natta said the first year had demonstrated the practical value of the infrastructure.

“In just 12 months, we have seen that capability used across bulk exports, cruise, livestock, offshore support, defence and marine services, often in ways that would previously have been difficult or simply not possible,” Mr Natta said.

“What I’m most proud of is the way our team has responded. We have been able to work with customers, adapt quickly and find practical solutions that keep vessels and cargo moving.”

Mr Natta said KMSB would continue to invest in infrastructure, people and operational capability while looking for practical and innovative ways to improve regional supply chains and create new opportunities through Broome and the wider North West.