First project cargo delivery at Lumsden Point

Pilbara Port Authority received the first project cargo delivery at Lumsden Point. BBC Chartering’s multipurpose heavy lift vessel BBC Pearl delivered equipment for the Iron Bridge Magnetite project. 

Commenting on the delivery, PPA chief executive officer, Roger Johnston said it is an encouraging sign that the private sector is utilising the Lumsden Point. “Lumsden Point is envisaged to become a multi-user facility and logistics hub that will alleviate the demand on existing cargo berths at the Port of Port Hedland,” Johnston said.

He noted that to date, $143 million has been invested in dredging and land development at Lumsden Point, which is strategically located near the Great Northern Highway and Port Hedland International Airport.

Iron Bridge Magnetite project is a joint venture between Fortescue Metals Group unit FMG Magnetite and Formosa Steel IB. PPA and Fortescue have fast-tracked the delivery of Lumsden Point which in the short term meets the needs of Iron Bridge, but in the longer term will be important for all port users.

The importance of Lumsden Point has been recognised by the Federal Government, with increased cargo capacity at Pilbara ports included on Infrastructure Australia’s Priority List and as a strategic location under its Boosting Australia’s Diesel Storage Program.

This is backed up by a recent report by ACIL Allen that found the development of Lumsden Point would result in approximately 2.5 million tonnes of additional cargo shipped through Port Hedland, supporting on average 460 jobs, each year.

The WA economy would also benefit, with the development forecast to boost Australia’s GDP by $9.6 billion over 30 years.

The next stage of development is roadworks to unlock eight hectares of land within the Logistics Hub. These works are planned to commence early next year.