Abbot Point – Ship Loader Transfer Chutes

Project Description: The coal terminal at Abbot Point, which is owned by PCQ and operated by Abbot Point Bulk Coal Pty Ltd, is currently undergoing significant expansion works, to take capacity to 50 million tonnes per annum. The expansion is due for completion in 2011.

Client: Situated about 25 kilometres north of Bowen, the Port of Abbot Point is Australia’s most northerly coal port. The existing Abbot Point Coal Terminal comprises a rail in-loading facility, coal handling and stockpile areas, and a single trestle jetty and conveyor connected to a berth and shiploader, located 2.75km off-shore. The terminal is being expanded with the addition of a second wharf and shiploader as well as an additional onshore stockyard and machines.

The coal terminal at Abbot Point, which is owned by PCQ and operated by Abbot Point Bulk Coal Pty Ltd, is currently undergoing significant expansion works, to take capacity to 50 million tonnes per annum. The expansion is due for completion in 2011.

Challenge:  The client required a company that is able to produce high quality steel fabrication products and meet the stringent health, safety and environmental requirements that are required for ports projects.

Scope of work: The client required a fabricator to build a ship loader transfer chute replacement, and then ship it to Abbot Point.  There was a requirement for the transfer chutes to be tiled which required preparation through blasting and the remaining plate required to be painted.

Engineering Solution:  HVAC was selected because they have all the necessary safety quality and environmental procedures in place and are ISO 9001:2008 certified.

In addition HVACs facility, which has 25,000m2 lay-down area allows other trades, such as the tilers and coating contractors to carry out this type work on the HVAC site.  HVAC premises also contain a blasting and paint shop.

This means that  the majority of the work can be completed on one site which keeps the transport costs down.  It also prevents any damage to completed components as they do  not have to be moved to several different contractors locations.

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