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Posted: 2024-08-07 19:26:41

In short:

TasPorts manages 11 ports across Tasmania but it's facing a range of challenges with its ageing infrastructure.

One of its wharfs at Burnie, which is used by a major freight company, has been found to not meet current standards. Another at Macquarie Point in Hobart, home to the Antarctic icebreaker, has hit cost hurdles for its upgrade.

What's next?

TasPorts says the Burnie wharf is still operational, but it has put in controls to manage the increased risks.

The "overall stability" of critical infrastructure used by one of Tasmania's main shipping companies "does not meet current contemporary standards", the state's ports regulator has confirmed.

Strait Link, previously known as Toll Shipping, provides regular sea freight services between Burnie and Melbourne.

But TasPorts said the shipping company's dedicated berth at Burnie will need urgent remediation work after structural issues were found as part of a wharf monitoring program.

"Areas of scouring were identified beneath the quay wall at berth four at the Port of Burnie, which is the current home of Strait Link," TasPorts chief executive, Anthony Donald said in response to ABC questions.

"TasPorts has undertaken significant investigative works to fully understand the scope of the issue.

"Through this process [it] has discovered that the wharf's overall stability does not meet current contemporary standards."

A large green toll shop is docked in the port of Burnie, while workers with machinery unload it.

The overall stability of the berth at Burnie used by Strait Link, formerly Toll, is of concern, TasPorts says.(ABC News: Sandy Powell)

Mr Donald said the wharf's "original concrete mass structure" was more than a century old, although some modifications had been made over the years.

"While there are no indications the infrastructure will fail, TasPorts has mobilised a dedicated project team to undertake immediate remediation works and upgrades to modern standards," he said.

Strait Link is still able to use the facility, but controls have been put in place to manage the "increased risk".

"The interim risk mitigation measures include avoiding loading on an identified area," Mr Donald said.

"Strait Link is continuing to utilise berth four for shipping operations and both parties are working cooperatively on the matter with both aligned on the importance of marine safety."

A large green toll shop is docked in the port of Burnie, while workers with machinery unload it.

TasPorts has not revealed the cost of its remediation works to its Burnie berth.(ABC News: Sandy Powell)

Strait Link declined to comment, but Mr Donald said TasPorts was working collaboratively with the shipping company to resolve the situation.

"We appreciate this will provide some level of inconvenience to customers and remain committed to working with Strait Link and other port users to minimise operational disruptions and expedite a solution," he said.

TasPorts did not provide an estimated cost for the remediation works.

a man in a suit jacket and white shirt is standing in a tall control tower that overlooks hobart

Anthony Donald says the company faces a number of legacy issues.(ABC Radio Hobart: Georgie Burgess)

King Island wharf safety incident 

TasPorts, a state-owned company, has acknowledged a range of "legacy challenges" relating to both infrastructure and operations.

One recent issue involved a safety incident at the Port of Grassy on King Island late last month.

On July 23, a heavy bollard became airborne after it was ripped from the wharf while a freight vessel, the John Duigan, was tied to it during heavy seas.

"The bollard severed under the mooring loads, landing in the sea," Mr Donald said.

"Fortunately, no-one was harmed."

New King Island ferry John Duigan

King Island ferry John Duigan pulled up a bollard while tied to the wharf.(Supplied: BassIslandLine)

The incident was reported to WorkSafe Tasmania, as well as other marine authorities.

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