Grassy Port Bollard Replacement Project Update
TasPorts is upgrading the infrastructure at Grassy Port to support heavier mooring lines and ensure continued shipping services to King Island.
Posted
24 September 2024
TasPorts is upgrading the infrastructure at Grassy Port to support heavier mooring lines and ensure continued shipping services to King Island.
Posted
24 September 2024
TasPorts is mobilising equipment and resources to the Port of Grassy for the bollard replacement project, which is expected to be completed by mid-November with no disruption to shipping expected.
The replacement project includes 11 new bollards, which have now arrived on site via the John Duigan vessel.
TasPorts’ Chief Executive Anthony Donald said the upgrade to infrastructure at Grassy Port will see the bollards replaced and overall infrastructure strengthened.
“The upgrade to the bollards is necessary to support the use of heavier mooring lines in line with operational requirements, and the range of berthing and departure sequences each vessel master may require,” he said.
“There have been two critical parts to this project – the first being the overall infrastructure assessment, engineering and design, and the second being innovative planning to enable the John Duigan to continue its regular shipping service to King Island, which is critical for the community and customers.”
TasPorts’ engineering analysis showed that a tugboat could assist in reducing the tension on mooring lines during the arrival and departure sequence, enabling the John Duigan to safely use the existing infrastructure within reasonable weather parameters.
Mr Donald said installation of the 80 tonne rated bollards will allow vessels to use 64mm lines rated up to 67 tonne.
“The process for the new bollard arrangement has been conducted thoroughly to ensure a safe outcome, including computer simulations to determine vessel specifications and mooring configurations to assist in decision making regarding the order and location of the bollard replacement,” he said.
“I’d like to acknowledge the project team and TasPorts’ contractors for their support and innovation for this project, which has allowed critical infrastructure upgrades to progress without disrupting shipping services to the community of King Island.”
Mr Donald said TasPorts would continue to keep the community and customers informed as the project progressed.