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Posted by Dale Crisp
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26 February, 2026
A CONTRACT for a replacement woodchip loader at Bell Bay has been awarded to Tasmania-based steel fabricator and construction company Crisp Bros. & Haywards Pty Ltd (CB&H) by TasPorts.
The contract is for CB&H to deliver the design, construction and commissioning of the new shiploader, which will replace 30-year-old equipment at the port's No.6 berth.
Constituents of CB&H have built a number of bulk loaders and associated facilities in ports in Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia and in 2024 completed TasRail’s $82 million Berth 5 shiploader at Burnie, which was funded by the Federal Government.
As a separate package of works, TasPorts is progressing the tender process for the access bridge required to accommodate the larger shiploader. The tender process will be completed by April 2026, with a contract expected to be awarded by May 2026.
Together, these now represents a total investment of almost $32 million. This reflects the expanded scope of works, including the new, larger woodchip shiploader and the construction of the purpose-built access bridge to support its increased size, reach and operational requirements, TasPorts says.
TasPorts and Haywards have entered the front-end engineering design and procurement phase, which will finalise the detailed design and construction approach. The project is on track for completion in mid-2028.
TasPorts’ group executive major projects, assets and technical services, Michel de Vos, said the appointment reflects TasPorts’ focus on partnering with experienced local contractors to deliver complex ports and maritime infrastructure.
“The Bell Bay shiploader is critical infrastructure for Tasmania’s forestry and export supply chains,” Mr de Vos said.
“The new shiploader has been designed to provide the reach, clearance and operating envelope required for Bell Bay’s woodchip task over the long term, which has driven the need for a larger structure and a new dedicated access bridge.”
“Haywards brings demonstrated experience in delivering shiploaders for bulk commodities in Tasmania, most recently at the Port of Burnie, and we’re pleased to be partnering with a local contractor that understands the operating environment and the importance of maintaining continuity of trade.”
“This project will replace ageing infrastructure that is more than 30 years old, delivering improved safety, automation and environmental performance while ensuring Bell Bay remains fit for modern shipping requirements.”
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Kerry Vincent, said the project demonstrates continued investment in Tasmania’s port infrastructure to support key industries.
“Bell Bay plays an important role in supporting Tasmania’s export economy, particularly for the forestry sector,” Mr Vincent said.
TasPorts posted a solid year-to-date performance for the half-year ending 31 December 2025, with a total trade volume of 7.43Mt spearheaded by strong forestry exports.
While project delivery progresses, TasPorts says it will continue to work closely with customers to review critical operational performance, manage operations and minimise disruption during construction.
The shiploader was originally announced by the Tasmanian Liberal Government in November 2024 and costed at $15 million.
TasPorts was criticised at Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee hearings for a two-year delay to the project and a (then) expected $5 million price increase.
