Local company wins $11m port contract

Privately owned marine services provider Total AMS has won a contract from the state government to upgrade a major shipping berth at Port Hedland.

TAMS, which is based in Fremantle and has a permanent facility at Port Hedland, will complete upgrades to Berth 3 under an $11.4 million contract.

Built in the 1960s, the berth is commonly used for salt exports and fuel and general cargo imports.

The overall project will cost $20 million and is expected to address decades’ worth of degradation to the rock wall, caused by extreme weather events and port activities.

TAMS will source 15 per cent of materials required to complete the works from the Pilbara region, along with 75 per cent of its suppliers and all of its contractors.

The balance will be drawn largely from Western Australia, Pilbara Ports Authority said.

Chief executive Roger Johnston said ports within the region were critical to the state’s ongoing economic recovery from COVID-19.

He said the project, part of the state government’s $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan, would ensure the berth remains reliable and safe to use.

“This is a complex and challenging project, with the use of specialised equipment to manoeuvre big rocks, while taking into account tidal restrictions and the safety of all port users,” Mr Johnston said.

“A priority of this project is to ensure Berth 3 remains operational at all times while works are undertaken, with there being no impact to the import and export of goods.”

The Berth 3 works are expected to be completed by the end of the year.