In the heart of sunny Queensland, Australia, the Hay Point Coal Terminal stands as a testament to progress and resilience. Over half a century in operation, this terminal has weathered the tests of time and nature. It’s not just any terminal; it’s the “Hay Point Coal Terminal” – a hub of industry, connecting the world with the lifeblood of steelmaking.
The Hay Point Coal Terminal has been humming with activity since its inception in 1971. Over the years, it has seen numerous expansion projects, growing to become a linchpin in BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) logistical strategy. Its mission? To ferry top-quality metallurgical coal to customers worldwide, fast and steady, like a well-oiled machine.
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Reinforcing Hay Point’s Capacity: The Shiploader and Berth Replacement Project (SABR)
The spotlight here isn’t just on the past but also on the future. Enter the Shiploader and Berth Replacement Project, lovingly dubbed “SABR.” SABR was a lifeline, reinforcing Hay Point’s capacity to ensure coal delivery for years to come. With a substantial demand for 15,000 tonnes of steel, it’s like giving the terminal a suit of armour.
“Leading this monumental achievement was Gaia Antoniucci, Head of Asset Projects. She lauded the dedication of the tireless teams, both on the construction site and behind the curtains. Working hand in hand like a finely tuned orchestra, they ensured the Hay Point Coal Terminal’s project sailed through without major hiccups. Safety was their guiding star, and as a result, the project’s success was the sweet fruit of their labour.”
The team built SABR with a safety-first philosophy. Most of its infrastructure took shape in controlled environments, shielding the frontline workers from the perils of high-risk tasks, akin to a shield against danger. The project clocked in over 250,000 hours of toil during its three-year construction, with almost 700 BMA and contractor personnel joining forces, orchestrating a remarkable transformation.
Linda Murry, the General Manager at Hay Point for BMA, emphasized that the project had a more profound impact on Central Queensland. Furthermore, the terminal is a bustling beehive, ceaselessly buzzing for its customers’ needs. It’s the key to BMA retaining its throne as the world’s top exporter of seaborne metallurgical coal.
But this investment isn’t confined to the company alone. It’s a rising tide that lifts all boats in Central Queensland. The expanded capacity of Hay Point promises to spur economic growth that ripples far beyond its shores. It’s a source of immense pride, a testament to the ongoing contribution to the heart of Central Queensland.
