CONTRACTORS working on TT Line’s new East Devonport terminal this week installed the 27th and final pile casing this week, said to be the most complex and technically challenging step in building the foundations for the gantry at the berth.
Tasmanian infrastructure minister Kerry Vincent said he wanted to acknowledge “the fantastic work” of all those on site.
“Marine works are now underway to prepare and install concrete and steel reinforcement to the 27 piles.
This work is critical as the concrete structures that will eventually support the 740-tonne steel gantry and loading ramps.”
Mr Vincent said the builders had installed 60% of bridge deck beams to the fixed loading ramp and installed 60% of the site utilities.
TT Line CEO Chris Carbone said the gantry fabrication [in China] is well underway and on time.
“Spirit of Tasmania has been actively working with TasPorts, the Harbour Master and other critical stakeholders to ensure that when the gantry arrives at Devonport, the offloading and assembly can occur in the safest and most efficient way possible,” Mr Carbone said.
Meanwhile, TasPorts has reported Tasmania's freight trade demonstrated strong resilience in FY2025, with the state's ports handling 14.3 million tonnes of cargo (a 0.6% increase on FY2024). The standout performance came from Tasmania's agricultural sector, with vegetable exports surging by 16%, while dairy products jumped 17%.
Burnie was a volume leader, with a market share of 33.8% (4.83 million tonnes). The port handled a diverse cargo mix including forestry, general cargo and minerals. Volumes were marginally down 3.4% on the prior year.
Devonport continued to maintain the island's TEU market share of 48.9% (299,599 TEU). Devonport remained Tasmania's primary gateway for containerised goods and fuel imports.
Bell Bay remained Tasmania's key facilitator for forestry exports. Overall, the port transited over 3.5 million tonnes, and TEU increased 25.1%. Volumes were up 6.6% on FY2024, with stronger exports of logs.
Hobart saw a 5.9% increase in tonnage throughput. This was largely driven by the Fertiliser sector and increased export logs through the Southern Export Terminal. The port continued to play an important role as Australia's home port for Antarctic exploration and scientific research.
TasPorts said the forestry industry maintained positive momentum with 9.8% growth, reinforcing Tasmania's position as a premium timber exporter. The fertiliser sector delivered strong growth of 81.1%, with volumes increasing from 124,636 tonnes to 225,697 tonnes. This surge positioned Tasmania as an increasingly important fertiliser distribution hub for Australian agriculture.
Container imports reached 309,048 TEU, representing a 2.1% increase statewide.
Tasmania experienced its second-largest cruise season on record in 2024-25, with 131 ship visits across Hobart, Burnie and regional ports. The Port of Hobart had its strongest season ever, welcoming 87 cruise ships. Despite this success, statewide cruise passenger numbers dropped 8% compared to the previous financial year. This decline reflected broader industry challenges including modified itineraries, global fleet repositioning, and geopolitical disruptions,”TasPorts said.
Regional ports remained vital to Tasmania's cruise industry, hosting one-third of all visits. Burnie welcomed 14 ships while Port Arthur received 17 calls, demonstrating the continued appeal of Tasmania's diverse coastal destinations.