Customer: Hamersley Iron (Rio Tinto) Contract type:  Construct only Location: Dampier, Western Australia

Fast Facts  Two phase wharf upgrade 600 m overall wharf extension Extensive use of large scale modularisation Work successfully completed within operating port without distruption

McConnell Dowell delivered a major wharf upgrade in two phases for Rio Tinto at Dampier Port. 

Phase A included the construction of a 455 m wharf extension and new access jetty, tail end structure and electrical deck, and modifications to the existing wharf.

Scope included 18 new dolphins, installation of new materials-handling infrastructure, including a 1,095 m conveyor system, transfer tower, and drive and take up structures. The precast deck modules were transported and lifted into place by heavy lift vessel.

Phase B was a 145 m extension of the wharf, and included installation of new conveyors and materials handling system.

The construction involved shutdown for removal and replacement of 220 m of conveyor in 3 weeks. There were upgrades of an additional 875 m of existing ore conveyors, new deck sleepers to the existing wharf, and strengthening under the shiploader.

We made use of modularisation to accelerate on-site construction, reduce costs and onsite man hours, and ensure strict quality control. Safety risks were also reduced with less working over water.

Innovative in-house designed jack-up piling templates minimised downtime from inclement weather. 

Our team was able to achieve exceptional results within tough conditions. We were working within the confines of a fully operational wharf facility, which required close collaboration and constant communication between all associated parties. This also included coordination of multiple contractors undertaking works concurrently (marine, structural, electrical and mechanical).

We achieved project completion on time, with construction activities being undertaken in tight shutdown windows so as not to disrupt port operations.