Port of Hastings seeks EOI for VRET construction contract

THE PORT of Hastings Corporation has opened the first stage of procurement for construction of the proposed Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal, calling for Registrations of Interest from experienced organisations as it moves to advance port infrastructure tied to Victoria’s offshore wind rollout.

The ROI process is the first step ahead of a planned Expression of Interest phase, with information available through the Buying for Victoria portal.

The procurement move comes days after DCN reported on the release of the Port of Hastings Corporation’s Port Development Strategy 2055, which positioned the proposed terminal as a central part of the port’s long-term role in supporting the state’s energy transition and future freight needs.

PoHC said the procurement process would run in parallel with its regulatory approvals program, including the Environmental Effects Statement, which is expected to go on exhibition in early 2027.

The corporation said it had moved to start procurement early because major infrastructure contracting processes can take months to complete. Subject to regulatory and government approvals, that timetable is intended to allow a contractor to be appointed in time for construction to begin when the terminal is required by offshore wind proponents.

Applicants shortlisted through the ROI process will progress to the EOI stage, where they will receive more detailed procurement documentation.

The procurement step also follows the recent launch of Australia’s first offshore wind auction by the Victorian government, another milestone in the state’s offshore wind program.

In May 2026, PoHC received $124.5 million in project funding to advance environmental approvals and procurement activity for the terminal project.