Fremantle Port invests $11million in new ship unloader

22/11/01
An $11million high performance ship unloader at Fremantle Port's Kwinana Bulk Jetty will boost the Port's bulk handling technology.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan set the huge unloader in motion at a ceremony today marking the completion of its installation.
Ms MacTiernan said the new unloader would provide efficiency gains for current users and provide for the needs of future users of the Kwinana Bulk Jetty.
"Investing in new, more efficient technology is an important part of Fremantle Port Authority's role in developing trade and trade related investment," she said.
"I also understand that one of Fremantle Port's key considerations in selecting this system was its very low environmental impact.
"Reducing spillage and dust is a major requirement of efficient ship loading and unloading.
"As well as looking after the environment, minimising spillage reduces waste and increases profits."
The continuous ship unloader is based on screw technology, with a totally enclosed conveying line for environmentally friendly operation.
The primary user is Anaconda Nickel Ltd, which imports sulphur for its nickel-cobalt project at Murrin Murrin in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields, but the system will also be available for other bulk import customers.
The unloader was designed and supplied by Swedish-based company BMH Marine AB, but sub-contracting of a number of elements gave the project a local content of about 60 per cent. The system has a capacity of 17,500 tonnes per day, based on a 22.5 hour working day.
As well as its role in the unloading of sulphur, the continuous unloader will be suitable for handling other dry bulk products such as fertilisers.
The new unloader complements a conveyor, rail spur and sulphur storage facility completed at the Kwinana Bulk Jetty in 1998.
Media contact: Steve Keogh 9213 6400