QUBE is about to start work on a $13 million upgrade at the former Albany Bulk Handling site in Western Australia’s south.
The work, including hard stand and ship loader strengthening and the installation of a new grid, will transform the facility from a woodchip-only handler to a multi-commodity facility, capable of servicing the grain, mineral sands and critical minerals industries.
Qube Bulk’s chief operating officer, Morné van Wyngaard, said the bulk handling facilities at the port will support growth in export markets for these commodities, strengthen competition and create a win-win for regional producers and commodity exporters works.
“Albany is the major economic hub for the Great Southern region and the Port of Albany is the region’s main gateway to markets across Asia and the Middle East, shipping billions of dollars in goods to international markets annually,” Mr van Wyngaard said.
“Western Australia is a big state, and our investment in Albany creates new opportunities for regional producers, miners and exporters to move product to market more efficiently, access additional export pathways and strengthen the competitiveness of the Great Southern supply chain.
“Importantly, we have offered capacity to all users to increase overall port capacity and reduce bottlenecks across the supply chain. By doing so, we can help reduce congestion at the port, support more efficient vessel scheduling, help exporters avoid demurrage costs, and better manage both seasonal grain peaks and project-driven volume increases across other commodities.
“This investment is designed to deliver benefits for every port user and support Albany’s role as a diversified export gateway for Western Australia.”
Mr van Wyngaard said the completion of stage one works was an important milestone for Qube, following its $25 million acquisition of the facility in 2025, with further second stage works now under consideration.
These additional works would support additional capacity and future commodity growth opportunities at the Port, including fixed grain storage, covered multi-commodity shed space and improved open stockpile segregation.
“This investment in the future of the Port of Albany is consistent with our commitment wherever we operate: to invest in infrastructure, plant and equipment, create employment and supplier opportunities for local communities, and help drive long-term economic growth for the region.
“We’re looking forward to completing the finishing touches to stage one over the next few weeks and beginning a new chapter for Albany Port and its users as we continue to assess further opportunities to support diversified trade and additional export capacity across Western Australia.”
Qube acquired 100% of Albany Bulk Handling Pty Ltd (ABH) for a total consideration of $25 million (exclusive of stamp duty, other costs and adjustments) in July 2025.
The bulk export infrastructure and operations are on a site leased from the Southern Ports Authority at the Port of Albany in Western Australia.