QuayLink is TasPorts’ largest port upgrade project under the Port Master Plan and TasPorts’ largest infrastructure project in a generation. It is designed to modernise and future-proof the Port of Devonport to support the critical role it plays in providing a linkage between Tasmania and mainland Australia.
Posted
30 September 2024
Its origins began in 2016 when SeaRoad announced it was commissioning SeaRoad II, followed by TT-Line’s announcement in 2017 that it intended to replace its two ships. In 2018 we launched the TasPorts Master Plan which addressed the investment required to provide the critical infrastructure needed to enable tourism and trade growth by 40 per cent in Devonport East.
TasPorts is investing $240 million over project QuayLink to deliver this game-changing infrastructure – an investment that reflects our commitment to providing contemporary infrastructure with enhanced technology, safety and operational outcomes for our customers and for the benefit of the State.
As a project, QuayLink consists of a number of works packages, some of which are being delivered by TasPorts while others are being delivered by our exclusive port tenants, TT-Line and SeaRoad. Our $240 million investment covers only TasPorts works, with our port tenants responsible for the cost of their own works. This approach to port development is consistent nationally and internationally, where base infrastructure is delivered by the port, with bespoke terminal infrastructure designed and delivered by the dedicated tenant and operator.
The works packages address a number of port and berth works.
This package involves the progressive upgrade of whole of port marine navigation and safety aides by TasPorts to support the outcomes of the respective Non-Standard Vessel Assessments undertaken by the Harbour Master. The work consists of upgrades to aides for navigation, vessel monitoring systems and port information instruments. TasPorts is responsible for this package and has delivered the Terminal 2 LIDAR vessel monitoring system along with several port (wind and tide) instrument upgrades.
This work involved the construction of new fendering on berth 2E for the introduction of SeaRoad’s MV Liekut. This work was the responsibility of TasPorts and was completed in time for the introduction of the vessel in April 2021.
TasPorts is responsible for the marine, dredge and new wharf infrastructure part of this package. Our work commenced in November 2021 and was completed just two days after its scheduled completion date, and 7% under budget. It consisted of dredging (to create a larger berth pocket for the new wharf), construction of land reclamation of 9000 sq metres for TT-Line to build its new three-tiered ramp on, and construction of 137m of new wharf infrastructure plus 50m of remediated old wharf infrastructure to create a continuous quay line designed specifically for the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels. The dredging and land reclamation was completed earlier, in late 2023.
In parallel with TasPorts’ work to Berth 3, Spirit of Tasmania is progressing its own design and procurement activities to commence construction of its portion of the Berth 3 project now that TasPorts’ contractors have completed the reclamation area. Spirit of Tasmania will design and construct the civil works (including new hardstands for freight storage and passenger marshalling), marine infrastructure (dolphins to provide foundations for the loading gantry), refuelling infrastructure, ramps and building infrastructure required to service the new ships and facilitate the passenger and freight operations. TT-Line is responsible for this package of work.
This package consists of base level civil works and high voltage connection works. The base civil works will be constructed by TT-Line as part of TT-Line’s Terminal 3 Tenant Works. The High Voltage substations have been designed and delivered to site and will be installed once TT-Line’s Terminal 3 Civil Works are sufficiently progressed.
This package consists of the marine works to facilitate SeaRoad’s long term marine operations at Terminal 2. This work will involve wharf upgrades (fenders and bollards) and remediation. The delivery, scope and responsibility of this work package is being progressed with SeaRoad.
This is the final package of work and involves the remediation of Berth 1E and a small apron for future operations and opportunities. This work pack is dependent on Terminal 1 being vacated by TT-Line and any temporary works for SeaRoad’s respective projects being completed. This work is the responsibility of TasPorts.
In early 2024 the Tasmanian Government was advised that TT-line had retendered for works at Terminal 3, resulting in projected delays to the completion of the Terminal 3 tenant works. Soon after that, the Government intervened to action the delivery of a temporary berth facility ahead of the arrival of the new Spirits of Tasmania. On 17 June 2024 it issued a Ministerial Direction to the TasPorts Board to undertake an upgrade of Berths 1 and 2 to ensure contingency infrastructure was in place to enable earlier commissioning into service of the new vessels at an albeit temporary facility and with some restrictions on loading (noting the completion of Terminal 3 works will redress the loading restrictions). While responsibility for the delivery of Terminal 3 works remains with TT-Line, the Government also instructed TasPorts to take all necessary action to support TT-Line in its undertaking of Terminal 3 infrastructure works and refuelling infrastructure as far as it was reasonably possible to do so.
The TasPorts Board’s sub-committee immediately responded establishing a dedicated project team, to ensure the appropriate support and expertise to deliver on the necessary infrastructure for our customer and the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels. TasPorts also implemented strong governance and extended the Gateway Review independent process already in place for TasPorts’ QuayLink project, as a critical assurance mechanism to effectively and transparently support the project delivery, and routine reporting to keep shareholders and stakeholders updated.
The requirement to focus on contingency berthing infrastructure at Berth 1, is expected to impact the existing QuayLink work packages, specifically Terminal 2 Landside Works (civil and service connection and also marine works) and the eventual Terminal 1 (marine and landside remediation).
TasPorts understands the critical importance of the Spirit of Tasmania vessels to Tasmanians and the Tasmanian economy and remains focused on working collaboratively with all port partners and the Government while targeting the earliest possible date for the completion of this work.