Operators Shortlisted for Australia’s Townsville Port Berth 4

Three terminal operators have been shortlisted and invited to submit proposals to operate the Berth 4 container and general cargo terminal at the Northern Australia’s Port of Townsville Limited (POTL), the Queensland Government revealed.

The companies in question are Australian Amalgamated Terminals (AAT), DP World Australia and Townsville Bulk Storage and Handling.

A total of six firms submitted their proposals following the expression of interest (EOI) in October 2016, according to Curtis Pitt, Queensland’s Treasurer.

“This process will secure an operator that will grow Northern Australia’s largest general cargo and container port, and a designated Priority Port in Queensland,” Pitt pointed out.

The upgrade of Berth 4 would double Townsville Port’s container trade capacity, Mark Bailey, Ports Minister, explained.

According to Ranee Crosby, POTL CEO, a new, yet-to-be-named operator of the berth will invest in cranes and cargo terminal areas, increasing the number of shipping lines calling Townsville.

“To cater for growth in trade, in particular containerised and general cargo, POTL is currently undertaking a AUD 40.7 million redevelopment of Berth 4,” Crosby said.

Construction work began in April 2016 and is expected to be completed in December 2017.

Aaron Harper, Member for Thuringowa, Queensland, said he hopes to see the terminal operator move in by the end of the year.

“Submissions from the shortlisted parties are due in June 2017, with a preferred terminal operator expected to be selected by August 2017,” Harper said.