PPA announces $120m Channel Risk and Optimisation Project in Port Hedland

The Pilbara Ports Authority will be delivering a second major port project in line with the Integrated Marine Operations Centre (IMOC) - Port Heldand's $120 million Channel Risk and Optimisation Project (CROP).

The main goal of this project is to reduce the risk of obstructions in the Port Hedland shipping channel, as well as enable port users to enhance the tonnages on their vessels.

The CROP is a two-year project and will be delivering the following:

• Creation of a new emergency passing lane
• Extension of a deep water refuge zone and use of existing deeper depths along the tidally constrained 42-kilometre channel

CROP will also be optimising the utilisation of the channel for the benefit of the port users because of the following:

• Sailing windows will be extended
• The creation of wider separations between departing vessels in a convoy
• Potentially allowing additional vessels to depart on the tidal window

The CROP is one of three projects which is funded by the Port Improvement Rate - a temporary levy for vessels entering and exiting the harbour - and it funds the capital improvements which will sustain long-term operations and development of Port Hedland's port.

The Pilbara Port Authority is working closely with State and Federal agencies so that appropriate environmental approvals will be obtained for the Channel Risk Optimisation Project.

Invitation for EOIs are expected in 2017.

Watch this space for more updates on this project.

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