Terminal steps for Devonport works

  • Posted by Dale Crisp
  • |
  • 30 Jul, 2026

SPECIALISED MARINE EQUIPMENT has been mobilised on site at East Devonport’s Terminal 2 just as contractors at Terminal 3 report completion of gantry work.

Terminal 2  is used exclusively by Bass Strait operator SeaRoad as the southern base for its Melbourne-Devonport service and TasPorts says the essential on-site works will extend the operational life of the wharf by up to 30 years, while supporting reliable freight movements into the future. 

TasPorts CEO Captain Allan Gray said the port plays a critical role in Tasmania’s freight supply, handling three-to-four million tonnes of freight each year.  

The $240 million QuayLink Project is about rebuilding and modernising key infrastructure at East Devonport to support Tasmania’s future trade, freight and growing tourism needs.  

“The upgrades at Terminal 2 will strengthen the wharf to ensure it continues to meet the needs of one of Tasmania’s largest shipping and freight logistics provider, SeaRoad, for decades to come,” said Captain Gray. 

TasPorts’ construction partner BridgePro Engineering has mobilised specialised marine equipment on site to support works including a 150-tonne crawler crane, forklift tractor and hydro-demolition gear.  

Ahead of upcoming piling works, commercial divers have been using high-pressure water jets to prepare the sheet pile walls beneath the wharf. This work includes the removal of debris and seabed preparation and levelling to support installation of new sheet piles.  

More than 3.7 tonnes of ageing fender infrastructure has been removed ahead of the installation of new fender piles, bollards and concrete works. 

"We're working closely with SeaRoad and other port users to deliver these important upgrades around tidal conditions and ongoing port operations to keep the port operating safely and efficiently,” Captain Gray said.

The QuayLink Project is one of Tasmania's largest port infrastructure investments and a key pillar in TasPorts’ strategy to modernise the Port of Devonport.  The project remains on track for practical completion by early 2027.  

Meanwhile, structural work on the installation of the TT Line vehicle gantry at Terminal 3 was completed last week, BMD Group said, with the final two linkspans now in place.

The project moves into testing and commissioning as the terminal continues towards operational readiness, with Spirit of Tasmania IV due to sail from lay-up in Melbourne to Devonport for berthing trials on 24 August.

The ship will then return to Melbourne to await entry into service, with sister Spirit of Tasmania V, in late October.

 

Posted by Dale Crisp

Dale Crisp is a contributing editor at DCN and a distinguished maritime journalist and commentator with a career spanning over three decades

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