Port Hedland seeks approval to dredge for South West Creek expansion
The Port Hedland Port Authority is seeking state and federal environmental approval for its huge new dredging program aimed at increasing annual iron ore shipping capacity in the harbour by 50m tonnes a year.
Dredging for the eight-berth South West Creek development will involve almost three years of work involving the removal of 17.5m cu m of marine sediment to carve out room for the berths and a turning circle, the West Australian reported.
The port authority wants the eight new berths to be operational by late 2013.
South West Creek's development is likely to be the final expansion of Port Hedland's inner harbour, which is constrained by natural boundaries and tides.
Two berths are designated for members of the North West Iron Ore Alliance, which is investing $2.1bn.
Two berths have been assigned to Hancock Prospecting.
Fortescue Metals Group, which has loading facilities off Anderson Point , will receive one of the new berths while another three are yet to be allocated.
BHP Billiton is studying the feasibility of developing an outer harbour at Port Hedland for additional iron ore exporting capacity.
