BHP Billiton to Spend $240 Million on New Tugs and Tug Harbor at Port Hedland

BHP Billiton says it has accepted US$240 million in funds to buy new tugs and assemble and improve associated harbor services at Port Hedland, house to the world’s largest iron ore loading port.

The funding might be used to buy six extra tugs and assemble a brand new eight pen Tug Harbour at Hunt Point within the Port Hedland Port. It can even embody the improve of workshop services, operational and repair berths and two small boat moorings on the present Nelson Point Tug Harbour.

SEE ALSO: Tug Ops in Port Hedland

“The project will mitigate the risk of a channel blockage by ensuring the continued safe escort of vessels in and out of the Port Hedland Inner Harbour,” commented BHP Billiton Iron Ore President, Jimmy Wilson. “This project will enable BHP Billiton to safely meet projected demand for tug services and effectively manage shipping risk for all users of the Port Hedland Port.”

BHP says the brand new Tug Harbour will enhance upon earlier designs with the power requiring minimal dredging and marine-based infrastructure and having much less environmental and visible influence.

Construction is scheduled to start within the December 2015 quarter and is predicted to be full within the September 2016.