Useless Loop Port Upgrade

Client

Shark Bay Resources

Location

Shark Bay WA

Description

Marine & Civil were contracted by Shark Bay Resources (SBR) as the head contractor for the procurement and construction of their upgraded wharf facility at SBR’s Useless Loop Operations. Commencing in September 2008, M&C was engaged in an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract to provide input into the concept design for the development involving the complete replacement of the existing 45 year old facility. M&C were approached by SBR on the back of the success of our Koolan Island Iron Ore Wharf Project, which formed the basis for this contract model. Marine & Civil’s input into the conceptual design included providing detailed layout plans with the aim of cost efficiencies, ensuring minimal disruptions to the existing site operations. Constraints constructing the new facility, directly adjacent to an operational port, coupled with very restrictive environmental requirements, meant careful planning was required for all construction activities, with no loss of seagrass meadow in the world heritage listed area.

The work involved procurement and construction of:-

  • 9 new berthing dolphins with interconnecting catwalk trusses, with the existing berth face line maintained to minimize the impact on port operations;
  • A new over-water conveyor consisting of steel driven piles supporting steel trusses;
  • A new shiploader platform and associated support equipment;
  • A fixed shiploader (construct only, procurement by others);
  • Complete mechanical and electrical procurement and installation works for new control system, including upgrade of existing conveyor equipment at the salt stockpiles;
  • Upgrade existing infrastructure including the town wharf and load out jetty;
  • Demolition of redundant facility.

A shutdown of the existing site operations to enable changeover to the new facility was carefully planned to ensure the impact on port operations was minimal. To ensure customers commitments were maintained, critical dates set in January 2010 were maintained for the successful commencement of the shutdown in July 2010, which was completed precisely on schedule within the specified duration.

Status

Completed November 2010