Dampier Port Authority (DPA) is looking to improve north-west Australia logistics with a floating deck trans-shipment system (FDTS). DPA says the FDTS, which is being built in conjunction with WQube and will be a first for Australia, will act as a “shock absorber” for direct project and general cargo handling in the Pilbara.

It will move between the largest cargo liners at anchor in the port – where cargo can be exchanged using ships cranes or vehicular ramps – and a purpose built, land-based facility. This will allow cargo liners to arrive and depart on time, leaving the cargo on the floating deck.

Captain Paul Toussaint-Jackson, chief operating officer, DPA, said: “The floating deck will facilitate direct China to Pilbara supply chains, rather than shipping to ports on the East Coat or Fremantle, then moving cargo thousands of kilometres by truck. This will reduce critical supply chain times and costs by as much as 70%.”

“The approach is complementary to conventional large scale infrastructure objective. It lets industry get moving today while conventional infrastructure can be developed progressively over time,” he added.

The FDTS will have sufficient deck space that allows for high point loads, stacking and temporary lay-down of cargo. It will be capable of handling all types of project freight, including large pre-assembled modular cargo.

The land-side facility will include a quarantine wash-down bay, customs licensed areas and general cargo handling, stacking and storage.