Bell Bay Ship loader project reaches first major design milestone

TasPorts’ Bell Bay Ship loader replacement project has reached an important milestone, with the first phase of design now complete. 

The milestone marks a significant step forward for the almost $32 million project, which will replace the existing ship loader that has supported bulk export operations at the Port of Bell Bay since 1992. 

Completion of the first design phase has seen the substantial completion of the new ship loader’s detailed design, allowing the project to progress into its second design stage as procurement commences and further engagement is undertaken.

The new ship loader will support safe, reliable and efficient woodchip export operations, with improved reach, clearance and operational capability to meet the long-term needs of Tasmania’s forestry sector. 

Designed as a modern, fully mobile machine, it will be capable of supporting larger vessels while improving operational safety, efficiency and long-term asset reliability.

The project is being delivered with Tasmanian-based contractor Crisp Bros. & Haywards Pty Ltd, which was appointed to undertake the design, construction and commissioning of the new Bell Bay Ship loader. 

A separate package of works is progressing for the purpose-built access bridge required to support the larger structure. Together, these works represent a total investment of almost $32 million. 

TasPorts CEO Captain Allan Gray said reaching the first design milestone demonstrated steady progress on a project that would strengthen critical port infrastructure for one of Tasmania’s key export industries.

“The Bell Bay Ship loader is critical infrastructure for Tasmania’s forestry and export supply chains, and completing this first design phase is an important step toward delivering a safer, more reliable and more efficient ship loader for our customers,” Captain Allan Gray said. 

“The substantial completion of the ship loader’s detailed design means we can now move into the next stage with confidence, while continuing to refine the design and construction approach to ensure the final infrastructure delivers on its objectives.”

Once complete, the new ship loader will help maintain continuity of trade through Bell Bay and support a forestry sector worth approximately $1.2 billion to the Tasmanian economy.

The project is due for practical completion in mid-2028.