Local property and construction contractor Pindan Contracting Pty Ltd has won the tender to design and construct the $70.7 million Integrated Marine Operations Centre (IMOC) in Port Hedland, WA.
Pindan outbid three other tenderers who were shortlisted in November 2015, including Doric Contractors, Jaxon, McConnell Dowell Constructors. Their submissions followed a call for expressions of interest in the project.
The centre, which includes an office building and control tower, will facilitate the safe and efficient movement of vessels of the port. The IMOC project also includes the demolition of the existing and outdated Shipping Control Tower, and will be located adjacent to the existing Port Administration Building.
On-site works are expected to begin towards the end of 2016.
Yesterday, Acting Transport Minister John Day said that the new centre would oversee an increasing number of vessels through the world's largest bulk export port.
"The number of vessel movements through the Port Hedland port will be 6,000 a year when the IMOC is operational in 2018, which is more than five times the vessel volume when the existing control tower was built more than 45 years ago.
"The IMOC is funded by the Pilbara Ports Authority's Port Improvement Rate, a levy charged on vessels entering and exiting the harbour, which funds capital improvements necessary to sustain the long-term operation and development of the Port of Port Hedland."
If you'd like to learn more about putting your best foot forward to become a supplier on a project like the IMOC, check out this free eBook with tips to optimise your business capability statement and impress decision makers.