Port of Devonport | Tug and Small Craft Pontoon Upgrade
TasPorts new Tug Berth Facility at the Port of Devonport is now fully operational.
Posted
18 September 2024
TasPorts new Tug Berth Facility at the Port of Devonport is now fully operational, enhancing safe access and expanding the available berthing space for TasPorts’ marine operatives.
This follows the recent removal of the former small craft pontoons, which were in the Mersey River for 27 years.
The $2.4 million project commenced in April and included the construction of a new 50 metre rock revetment, installation of a new 65 metre tug berth pontoon, and replacement of TasPorts' small craft berth with a new 30 metre pontoon to the northern end of Berth 3 West, which will be completed in coming weeks.
TasPorts’ Chief Executive Officer Anthony Donald said the project increased operational flexibility across the west side of the Port of Devonport.
“Not only does the new facility provide safe and level access for our tug crews to board vessels, but it also increases the capacity for small craft to berth, providing a significant improvement for our tug crews and small craft marine operatives at the port,” he said.
“While we have our major projects underway across our ports in Tasmania, it’s also the small projects like this which are being delivered routinely, that help to enhance safety, efficiency and capacity, as part of our commitment to contemporise our port infrastructure to support sustainable operations.”
The project included 1400 tonnes of rock for the 55-metre revetment to prevent bank erosion, fabricated steel components for the tug berth, support structures, access walkway, floating platform and protective barrier, with BridgePro’s 30 tonne piledriving excavator helping to install the four support columns for the small craft berth.
The landside abutments for the project feature deep support structures, including 12-metre piles and upcoming 35-metre ground anchor tie backs.
“It’s projects like these across our ports that help to fuel Tasmania’s supply chain and strengthen our economy, supporting local manufacturers, businesses and jobs,” Mr Donald said.
“I want to acknowledge the project team and our contractors for their exceptional commitment to delivering this new facility on time and on budget, while minimising disruption to port users.”
