Another big boost to Newcastle coal capacity

By Sineva Toevai

Coal capacity at NCIG’s terminal is forecast to rise by between 23mt and 53mt a year, said Whitehaven Coal, which owns a stake in the terminal.

Stage one of the new coal loading terminal, which opened in May 2010, is continuing to ramp up its export capacity of 30mtpa, Whitehaven said.

"Construction of the second stage of NCIG is progressing on time and budget for commissioning,” Whitehaven said.

Stage three, the final phase of construction, is due for commissioning in June next year.

The completed project on the 136ha site will include a rail siding and rail loop, an inbound dump station, inbound and outbound sample station, stockyard, stacker reclaimer, buffer bin and shiploader.

This will take the port to its full capacity of 66mtpa.

In 2009, a Capacity Framework Agreement for providing access to additional port capacity at Newcastle was agreed by Newcastle Ports Corporation, NCIG and Port Waratah Coal Services.

It was subsequently approved by the competition regulator.

Source: Lloyd’s List Australia – www.lloydslistdcn.com.au