“As the NSW economy continues to grow so does the demand for bulk liquids such as refined petroleum products, chemicals and gases for domestic and industrial use.
“That’s why Sydney Ports is doubling the port’s capacity to handle these products by constructing a second bulk liquids berth (BLB2) at Port Botany. “The existing Bulk Liquids Berth at Port Botany was constructed in 1979 and is the only one of its kind – an open access, multi user berth for the import and export of chemicals, LPG and refined fuels in NSW. “This new $80 million facility will ensure that NSW has adequate berth capacity to satisfy future demands for the import and export of bulk liquids,” Mr Gilfillan said. Tenders for the construction of the Bulk Liquids Berth 2 were requested from four shortlisted companies in December 2010 and closed in February 2011. Following an extensive evaluation process, the Board of Sydney Ports Corporation approved the award of the construction contract to John Holland. John Holland is one of Australia’s leading engineering, contracting and services providers to the infrastructure, energy and resources and transport services sectors. “With over 60 years experience John Holland has a proven track record in delivering worldclass marine infrastructure,” Mr Gilfillan said. “Their recent work includes the delivery of some of the most challenging port projects in Australia, such as the recently completed Dalrymple Bay Coal terminal expansion and ongoing works constructing marine and offloading facilities as part of Gladstone LNG’s proposed Curtis Island LNG facility and the Kooragang Island terminal expansion in Newcastle.” Mr Gilfillan said that continued growth, particularly in the import of refined fuels, had led to the average berth occupancy level at the existing Berth frequently exceeding 65% over the last four years. “This project will also help meet the long term demand for products such as Jet Fuel which is forecast to grow at an average rate of over 4 per cent for the next 20 years.
“As such, the construction of the Bulk Liquids Berth 2 at Port Botany is a key strategy in securing the state’s energy supply over the medium to long-term,” Mr Gilfillan concluded.
Key Facts
The Bulk Liquids Berth 2 has been designed to accommodate larger vessels of up to 120,000 dead weight tonnes and a maximum length of 270 metres;
It includes state of the art fire fighting equipment, onshore support facilities and security monitoring systems;
The new berth will be built to allow the two berths to operate independently of each other;
Construction is due to commence in June 2011 and the berth is expected to be operational for trade in mid 2013.