Located in Queensland, Australia, Gladstone Ports Corp. (GPC) has awarded a contract to FLSmidth to build its new Shiploader 1. The contract, which is valued at approximately DKK225 million ($32.8 million), also includes the decommissioning of the old shiploader.
The new shiploader will replace GPC’s existing shiploader 1, which has loaded coal on to ships for 43 years. As part of the contract, FLSmidth will build the new shiploader within GPC’s Port Central Precinct, where it will then be transferred via a heavy lift ship a short distance to its new home for operation.
The award comes after GPC’s Board approved the project and endorsement was provided by the Queensland Government to proceed with the project. FLSmidth and its antecedent companies have supplied Gladstone Ports with the two other existing shiploaders at the port.
GPC Chair Dr. Anthony Lynham said the shiploader project was a significant achievement for local and regional manufacturing. “Traditionally, machines of this size are constructed overseas and imported into Australia. To be able to have FLSmidth build one right here at our Port Central Precinct is a win for manufacturing in our state and a win for local jobs,” Lynham said. “It not only shows confidence in future market demand for exports, but it’s great news in terms of local and regional jobs, trade capacity, and the region’s prosperity as GPC plans for the next 50 years.”
The contract commenced in March with a scheduled completion date in the second quarter of 2024.
