Fender Upgrade for Devonport 4 West

TasPorts is pleased to advise Devonport 4 West has reopened for shipping following the installation of new fenders as part of a $3.2 million project to enhance safety and operations for customers.

TasPorts’ Chief Executive Officer Anthony Donald acknowledged the work of the project team and sincerely thanked customers for their patience with the project experiencing some delays due to issues with the existing fenders, lightening strikes and strong winds which impacted crane operations.

“We recognise the adjustments which needed to be made to project scheduling to accommodate issues and risks, as well as minimising impacts to shipping as best as possible.

“Ensuring close communications with customers and stakeholders was an important component of the project to minimise impact to shipping schedules and find solutions to ensure the project could be completed as safely and efficiently as possible,” he said.

“I would particularly like to acknowledge Hazell Bros who at short notice undertook stage 2 works in advance of the original plan, operating 24-hours a day for seven days a week in difficult conditions to support the return of shipping as soon as possible.”

Mr Donald said seven of the 12 fenders have been successfully installed which has enabled the resumption of shipping, with the remaining fenders to be installed around shipping requirements to minimise impacts to customers.

“I want to acknowledge our customers and thank them for the collaborative, solutions-focused approach to discussions.

“We know the importance of improving and modernising our infrastructure to support safe, reliable and efficient shipping.

“Devonport is a major cargo port, responsible for the movement of between three and four million tonnes of freight every year. It’s important we continue to invest in its future for our customers, communities and the Tasmanian economy.”