<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> TasPorts is set to begin its $12m optimisation project at Burnie Port, which will better integrate freight transport services, and allow Toll Group to increase its throughput at the site, according to TasPorts chief Paul Weedon. </span> <p>Container storage capacity will be increased by relocating the current rail unloading area, and realigning the port access road to expand the rail yard.<br /><br />Rail activity will thus be brought within the operational area of the port, and trains will no longer need to be shunted along the waterfront.<br /><br />The TasPorts, TasRail and Toll Group project oversight committee says the redevelopment will begin within weeks, and the project is expected to take around 10 months to complete.<br /><br />As project manager, TasPorts is finalising the construction schedule with contractor, Fulton Hogan.<br /><br />Toll Shipping general manager Tony Stewart said a direct interface with the port and the railhead will help the company take trucks off the roads and increase the company’s ability to move freight both interstate and intrastate.<br /><br />Burnie Ports’ optimisation project is funded by a $4m contribution from the Federal and $2m from the Tasmanian government.<br /><br />Toll is also contributing $2m with $1m from TasRail and the balance from TasPorts.<br /><br />Tasmanian minister for infrastructure Rene Hidding said the project will increase capacity and productivity.<br /><br />Burnie port’s tonnage throughput grew 11.4% in 2013/14 with 4.05 million tonnes, compared to the previous financial year’s result of 3.6mt, according to Tasports’ latest annual report.<br /><br />Incoming and outgoing cargo through Burnie accounted for 242,136 teu last financial year, a decline of 4.6% from 253,833 teu.<br /><br /><em><strong>This is an edited version of an article which originally appeared on Lloyd’s List Australia’s website. The original can be viewed here: http://www.lloydslistdcn.com.au/archive/2014/12-december/16/local-burnie-ports-12m-upgrade-to-start-within-weeks</strong></em></p>
