New wharf at WA Port of Dampier takes a step closer to construction

A new wharf will soon be built at the Port of Dampier in Western Australia’s Pilbara region and Expressions of Interest for the design and construction of the wharf is already underway. 

The beginning of the Expressions of Interest process follows the announcement of a new funding investment from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) in February of this year. You can read more about the NAIF loan here. 

The $255 million NAIF loan will cover: 

• $160 million to the Pilbara Ports Authority for a new multi-user wharf and facilities at the Port of Dampier to facilitate exports 
• $95 million to the Western Australia Water Corporation for the expansion of the Burrup seawater supply and brine disposal scheme that will also service the operation of the Perdaman Urea Plant 

The construction of the new wharf at the Port of Dampier will help facilitate the development of the $4.3 billion Perdaman Urea Project, which is anticipated to open up access to worldwide markets for the export of urea that is mostly used for fertilisers. 

“This expression of interest is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to show their interest in working on a transformational project that will ensure the supply of urea domestically and internationally for decades to come. 

“This new piece of infrastructure will also accommodate general cargo vessels and cruise ships. 

“This project will create thousands of regional jobs, including opportunities for locally-based sub-contractors,” Ports Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

The new wharf is going to be built south of the existing Dampier Cargo Wharf. This project will also deliver a new berth pocket that is 13.2 metres deep with a manoeuvring area of 11 metres deep. 

Perdaman will be equipping the new wharf with bulk handling facilities for urea, including a storage shed, a conveyor system as well as a shiploader. 

“The new wharf will help facilitate the Perdaman Urea Project, as well as allowing the docking of bulk carrier, cruise ships and general cargo vessels. 

“It is also part of Diversify WA’s supply chain strategy for sectors such as agriculture and transport,” State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook said. 

Pilbara Ports Authority is handling the Expressions of Interest for the project, and it will include dredging of a berth pocket and the construction of a new wharf. Applications are closing on 19th April 2022 and the documentation for this project can be accessed on the Tenders WA website here. 

The new wharf is expected to be commissioned in late 2024, with the first product shipped in 2025. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Pilbara Ports Authority (1, 2); Australian Mining; Pilbara News