Newcastle NSW opens new bulk and container services capabilities

(Posted on 01/09/22)

The Port of Newcastle, the largest deepwater port on Australia’s East Coast, has commissioned two new mobile harbour cranes as part the Port’s ongoing commitment to diversification and a sustainable future.

The cranes were opened by Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody, and Macquarie Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Shemara Wikramanayake.

With the mobile harbour cranes in their final stages of commissioning, and terminal expansion underway, the cranes will commence cargo and container handling in September.

With an outreach of 54 metres, and a lifting capacity of 104 tonnes, Craig Carmody said the $A32.4-million crane investment marks a significant increase in an expanded and improved container, break-bulk and project cargo handling capability for customers at Port of Newcastle.

“For Port of Newcastle, the arrival of the mobile harbour cranes marks a significant step forward in our aim to diversify for the future,” he said.

It follows the announcement last November that the Port is partnering with Macquarie’s Green Investment Group to support the development of a hydrogen economy in the Hunter Region. The Port of Newcastle Hydrogen Hub, part of a broader clean energy precinct, will initially be underpinned by a large electrolyser and ammonia loop providing green product for domestic decarbonisation that is supported by a range of Project Partners including SnowyHydro, Jemena, Keolis Downer, Lake Macquarie City Council and Idemitsu.

The first stage of $A3 million feasibility study into the development of a green hydrogen hub at the Port has now been concluded.

Ms Wikramanayake said diversification represents a significant opportunity for the Port. “As the gateway to the second largest city in New South Wales, the Port will continue to play a key role in the future of the Hunter as a key region for economic growth,” she said.

Macquarie manages a 50 per cent shareholding in the Port of Newcastle on behalf of investors and is assisting the Port in its strategic realignment away from its historic reliance on coal export.

“The new container and bulk services initiative, together with the broader clean energy precinct, represents a significant opportunity for the Hunter region to diversify, decarbonise and support the development of jobs in emerging industries,” Ms Wikramanayake said. The Green Hydrogen project includes a partnership with the University of Newcastle to boost innovation and drive research commercialisation in the region.

Mr Carmody said the official opening of the mobile harbour cranes, which will begin operating next month, was an opportunity to reflect on the shared vision of the two organisations for an exciting future.

“When you are known nationally and internationally as the ‘world’s largest coal port’ change is always going to be like turning a large cargo ship in the harbour, a measured transition in tandem with the broader economy, but with the right tools around you the end goal can be achieved,” Mr Carmody said.

Latest News

Dry bulk stable as Antwerp-Bruges grows in first half of 2024

The total throughput of Port of Antwerp-Bruges was 143.2 million tonnes in the first six months of this... Read more

PD Ports aiming to be the UK’s most sustainable port

PD Ports has a publicly stated aim to be the UK’s most sustainable port company, with a commitment... Read more

Cargo transhipment in North Sea Port remains stable

Over the first six months of this year, the companies in North Sea Port recorded a volume of 33.4 million... Read more

Rotterdam to support redevelopment of Curaçao industrial zone

Port of Rotterdam Authority will contribute to the redevelopment of the lands owned by the state-owned... Read more

ABP boosts marine capability through pilot launch upgrades

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest and leading ports operator, has announced an... Read more

ABP Humber welcomes Laura Wood as new Head of Commercial

As Head of Commercial, Laura will head up the team responsible for Associated British Port’s wide... Read more

Cooperation on multiple port projects in Bangladesh

Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s leading facilitators of global trade, logistics, and industry, and... Read more

Sastry: Africa’s mining industry offers high margins and long-term contracts

Speaking at this year’s Drycon conference in Mumbai, Capt. Pappu Sastry, CEO of Adhira Shipping... Read more

Tunley Environmental announces ambitious transatlantic expansion plans

Sustainability consultancy Tunley Environmental is announcing ambitious transatlantic expansion plans... Read more

Duluth earns favourable marks in Green Marine environmental rating

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority and its terminal operations on Rice’s Point ranked among the... Read more