Works get underway on new Kwinana import facility in WA

The Kwinana Bulk Terminal in Western Australia is welcoming a new clinker import facility and works on this $55 million project is already underway. 

The Kwinana Bulk Terminal is the sole location in the State to have access to the essential building industry commodity, clinker, that is utilised in the manufacturing of cement. 

More than 1.1 million tonnes of clinker are being imported into Western Australia annually through the Fremantle Ports Facility in Cockburn Sound. 

“Clinker is an immensely important product imported through the Port of Fremantle, as it ends up in every cubic metre of concrete and cement used in domestic and industrial construction throughout the State. 

“This is a great infrastructure development for Kwinana – and for Western Australia – which will significantly improve our capability to move clinker faster, more safely and with very significant environmental benefits, and provide the capacity for the port facility to accommodate future trade growth. 

“It’s a great example of planning assets to integrate the State-owned port with adjacent private facilities, with benefits for all,” State Development Minister Roger Cook said. 

The new facility incorporates a bulk storage dome that has the capacity to store up to 40,000 tonnes of clinker and a conveyor that will link the Kwinana Bulk Terminal to the adjacent Cockburn Cement operations. In addition, BGC Group - a major clinker importer for the manufacturing of cement - will also see significant benefits from this project. 

Building a new clinker circuit will help to significantly reduce the need for truck transport as well as bring down dust emissions and lessen stoppages that cause shipping delays. 

Planning for the new clinker import facility included a potential incorporation of additional storage, a rail loop and other facilities at the bulk shipping location. 

The clinker facility is due for commissioning in 2024. 

“This is a very exciting investment, because it not only offers our customers improved efficiencies and supports the construction industry in WA, but cargo-handling will be faster, meaning there will be gains for our customers and also in terms of ship turnaround times at berth,” Fremantle Ports CEO Michael Parker said.

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Coast Live; Cemnet; Fremantle Ports