Local paver solution puts port container terminal of firm footing

The Port of Townsville has found a local solution in its search for specialised industrial pavers for its new $30 million crane and cargo container terminal.

Port of Townsville General Manager Infrastructure and Environment Marissa Wise said that, due to the weight of heavy machinery and shipping containers at the new facility, 100mm pavers are needed to provide a strong durable working surface, whist allowing efficient repair of any localised damage.

“Typical industrial pavers generally do not have the required density to withstand the weight of stacked containers and the constant movement of large machinery on the terminal pad which will operate 24 hours a day seven days a week,” said Ms Wise.

Formset Construction, the contractor undertaking construction of the new container terminal, engaged with  Adbri Masonry to provide the pavers.

Adbri Masonry’s National Contracting Services Manager, Mark Wilson, said the request to produce the pavers created an exciting opportunity for the business.

“These pavers could have been produced in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne but our decision to produce locally at the Townsville production facility was a more affordable option in responding to the unique requirements of the Port’s new container terminal. It also makes it easier to service the project during construction,” said Mr Wilson.

“Our decision to purchase new moulds to manufacture the high-density pavers in Townsville is a long-term investment by the company in future North Queensland projects.”

Using high-quality sand from the Burdekin and blue metal from Calcium, Adbri Masonry has been able to supply 2,500 pavers to the container terminal project and eliminate high freight costs that would be been incurred had the pavers need to be manufactured elsewhere.

“Adbri Masonry’s decision to invest locally to produce a product that meets the stringent requirements of the project showcases the commitment Adbri Masonry have towards North Queensland,” said Ms Wise.

“With the ingredients coming from the Burdekin and Calcium and being manufactured by North Queenslanders these high-density pavers are truly a North Queensland product.”

At the completion of the container terminal on Berth 4, more than 9,700 square metres of pavers will be laid to support containers and machinery. The pavers will be installed using a small machine that places approximately one square metre of pavers at a time before being adjusted, edged, sand packed and finished manually.

Port of Townsville’s Berth 4 container terminal area is scheduled for completion later this month and will accept its first containers in mid-2020.

Fast facts:

• The Port of Townsville is the largest container and automotive port in northern Australia, servicing around 70% of northern Australia’s population.
• The Ports’ $30 million crane and cargo project for Berth 4 incorporates the container terminal project, a new ship-to-shore crane that is scheduled to be operational in early 2021.
• A $10 million contract for delivery of a 1.6 hectare container terminal area was awarded to Townsville construction company Formset in June 2019.
• The project is targeted at facilitating growth in containerised and general cargo, with the increased berth capacity providing benefits also for fertiliser, mineral concentrates, metals, cement and meat products.
• In the 2018-19 Financial Year, the Port of Townsville handled 56,575 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) containerised trade.  
• The Port of Townsville will have the capacity to handle more containerised imports and exports when the $193 million Channel Upgrade Project is completed in 2023 when commercial ships up to 300 metres in length will be able to access the Port.
• March 2020 marks the 51^st anniversary of containerised shipping in Australia. Before that, imported and exported goods were usually stored in port warehouses and handled manually.

Media Contact: Kim Wheatley │ Corporate Affairs M: 0436 810 996   │ kwheatley@townsvilleport.com.au