A CENTRAL Queensland business has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract, to complete a fender upgrade at Gladstone Ports Corporation’s oldest wharf.
The project, which will be completed by local marine contractor Joseph Engineering, will support job growth in the region, while future-proofing the Auckland Point Wharf 1.
The six-million dollar upgrade, which is set to begin this month, aims to future-proof one of Gladstone’s oldest wharves and improve berthing for vessels, by modernising the existing timber fender system.
The works will include new marine pylons, buffer and securing equipment to replace the old structure and extend the life of the Auckland Point wharves.
Once complete the wharf will be able to handle larger cruise vessels to visit Gladstone in the future, along with potential ro-ro cargo vessels for the import of vehicles.
Chief operating officer Craig Walker said the upgrade was vital for economic growth in the region and will sustain GPC’s operations.
“Joseph Engineering has worked with GPC over many years delivering some fantastic outcomes. It shows the capability we have here in this internationally recognised port,” Mr Walker said.
“We will soon be able to welcome larger vessels to our Auckland Point facility to import and export commodities such as, general cargo, roll on roll off equipment, agriculture, containers and bulk liquids well into the future,” he said.
The facility has been operating since the 1920s when horses and cattle were exported even before coal.
“It’s an exciting development for the port and it is humbling to see the facility’s history will live on with the new upgrades,” Mr Walker said.
The project will support local jobs including up to 20 jobs through Joseph Engineering and dozens more with local suppliers making the piles, fender frames and fenders.
Works are scheduled to be complete mid-2022.
