North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation has completed its annual maintenance dredging program at the Port of Weipa for 2025.
This was achieved with dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane and support vessels departing after a 32-day campaign.
The program saw approximately 405,000 cubic metres of natural sediment safely removed from the port and relocated to the approved Dredge Material Placement Area in Albatross Bay.
NQBP expressed appreciation to all staff and contractors involved in delivering the operation, as well as to the local Weipa fishing and boating community for their patience and cooperation throughout the works.
The Port of Weipa has been supported by NQBP’s annual dredging efforts for more than 35 years, ensuring safe and efficient access for vessels. The corporation also facilitated bed levelling works at nearby Amrun, on behalf of Rio Tinto.
As part of the campaign, NQBP engaged closely with the Weipa Technical Advisory and Consultative Committee, comprising Traditional Owners, conservation groups, scientists, port users, and State and Commonwealth representatives.
Environmental monitoring and management measures were in place throughout the program to minimise impacts on the marine environment and areas of cultural value.
NQBP manages four trading ports – Weipa, Abbot Point, Mackay and Hay Point – which together handle around half of Queensland’s trade by tonnage.
The Port of Weipa handles millions of tonnes of product per annum, most of which is bauxite.
Rio Tinto’s operations at the port include major onshore bauxite handling, processing and stockpiling facilities. Its conveyors run to two wharves, Lorim Point East and Lorim Point West for ship loading. Two other wharves, Humbug Wharf and Evans Landing Wharf, handle a variety of commodities including general cargo, and fuel.
Weipa is a coastal town of approximately 3500 people, making it the largest community on the Cape York Peninsula. It’s situated around 200 kilometres from the tip of Australia.