The Mackay Port Authority is planning a 110 tonne concrete pour next week to secure a new capstan during the final phase of a million dollar upgrade on the main Breast Wharf at Mackay Harbour.

Capstans are used to connect mooring lines and to restrain vessels at the wharf.

Engineer Mal Pringle said the new capstan system would increase safety during the berthing and mooring of large cargo and fuel ships at the harbour.

“It’s an easier system to use and replaces the old timber bollards,” he said.

“The capstan winds in the ship’s lines for connection on its hooks. It also has a quick release mechanism when the vessel is ready to leave the wharf.”

The foundation of the capstan consists of a 10m x 3m x 1.5 m deep concrete pad.

“All up we’ll pour about 110 tonne of concrete into the foundation pad,” Mr Pringle said.

“It will be the final phase of a major upgrade of the number one breast wharf that’s included a new $900 000 fender system.”

The new fender system has now placed the sea port in a better position to handle Panamax cargo vessels.