Key contracts awarded for Lumsden Point expansion project

Pilbara Ports has awarded two key contracts for the expansion of Lumsden Point in Port Hedland, marking a major milestone for the project and moving it forward towards the creation of jobs and trade opportunities. 

The first contract has been awarded to Acciona Construction Pty Ltd, and it is for the design and construction of two land-backed wharves. 

The new wharves will facilitate the export of critical battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates. They will also enable the import of renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and blades. 

On the other hand, Konecranes has been awarded the contract to supply and build two state-of-the-art mobile harbour cranes that are integral to the efficient operation of Lumsden Point, enabling the handling of heavy and oversized materials. 

“The wharves and harbour cranes are a critical component of Lumsden Point, and awarding these key contracts represent a significant milestone in the project’s advancement. 

“The progress made on causeway construction, intersection upgrades and dredging, and land reclamation at Lumsden Point is already delivering economic growth and regional employment opportunities. 

“The State Government is committed to supporting the creation of jobs, growing and diversifying the economy, and attracting investment,” Western Australian Ports Minister David Michael said. 

A Local Business Register has also been launched by Pilbara Ports to help connect Pilbara-based businesses with companies tendering for upcoming work at Lumsden Point. 

The Australian Government has invested $565 million in common-user port upgrades in the Pilbara, with $450 million of this funding going towards the development of new multi-user facilities and berths at Lumsden Point. 

The Lumsden Point project is being delivered in partnership with the Western Australian Government, which is contributing $96.6 million towards the development. 

“The Australian Government is continuing to partner with the Western Australian Government to ensure this vital infrastructure is built. 

“Our Government’s investment in common-user port upgrades in the Pilbara will help unlock trade and investment opportunities and support a future made in Australia. 

“Investing in this great infrastructure will open doors and opportunities for businesses and communities, specifically in Port Hedland and the north-west coast of WA,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

The Lumsden Point expansion is expected to create 3,600 full-time jobs annually over its life. The project includes dredging of channel access and turning basins, construction of two new multi-user berths, and a central access road and service corridor connecting to Great Northern Highway. 

“I’m pleased to see this project progressing, which will position not only Port Hedland, but northern Australia to take advantage of the economic opportunities this project will provide as demand grows locally and overseas for clean energy sources. 

“The Australian Government’s investment in the Lumsden Point expansion will drive both employment and economic growth while delivering lasting infrastructure that will benefit the region well into the future,” Western Australian Senator Glenn Sterle said. 

“Lumsden Point will solidify the Pilbara’s role as a driving force in the clean energy transition, unlocking new trade pathways and creating hundreds of local jobs that will directly benefit our communities. 

“The development will also enhance direct shipping services to the Pilbara, improving supply chain efficiency and strengthening the region’s position as a critical hub for global trade. 

“The new Local Business Register is an excellent initiative that will ensure Pilbara businesses benefit from this major investment and contribute to the growth and development of our region,” Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Pilbara Ports (1, 2, 3); Infrastructure Magazine