Mackay Port Authority Board inspects wharf upgrade Article first published on Friday, 23 January 2004 @ 12:02:23 PM

Mackay Port Authority board members today made an inspection of the new $900 000 upgrade to the main breast wharf at Mackay Harbour.

MPA board members this morning (January 23) inspected the new fender upgrade on the main breast wharf. From left: John Stuart, Robynne Dudley, Don Graham, chairman John Taylor, Laurie Horgan, general manager engineering services Ian Meech, Graham Davies and chief executive officer, Greg Mann.

The new fender system will place the sea port in a better position to handle Panamax cargo vessels.

MPA workers last month replaced the old continuous fender system on the Number One breast wharf with six, individual units weighing about 40 tonne each.

The original fender system, installed in 1978, catered for up to 50 000 dead weight tonne (dwt) ships but the new system will enable the  breast wharf  to eventually handle Panamax vessels or ships of up to 70 000 dwt.

The rubber fender system has been designed to absorb increased energy from berthing ships, such as Panamax vessels without placing a higher load on the wharf structure.

The Mackay Port Authority is presently reviewing plans to deepen the harbour basin to cater for fully laden Panamax vessels. The time frame currently rests with the requirements of the sugar and grain industries.

Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor said board members were impressed with the fender upgrade and the high standard of workmanship.