​The Hay Point Coal Terminal’s third expansion project (HPX3) recently celebrated a significant milestone with customer ship, Gou Tou 303, docking at the new berth 3 and loading 82,500 tonnes of Peak Downs Coal bound for Indonesia.

The HPX3 project has increased the Port’s capacity from 44 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 55 mtpa. In addition to a new berth and shiploader, the project has involved replacing the existing jetty, trestle conveyors and surge bins.

Francois Joubert, BMA Project Director for HPX3, said the milestone was achieved safely thanks to successful collaboration between site teams to maximise performance.

“Watching coal being successfully and safely loaded from Berth 3 was a very proud moment for the team,” he said.

“The expansion project has increased capacity at the same time as mitigating against severe storm damage. Over the next three months, we look forward to the continued commissioning and ramp-up activities for this new facility,” Francois said.

BMA Asset President, Lucas Dow, congratulated Francois and his team on achieving this milestone.

“The port is key part of the BMA supply chain, so the successful completion of first commissioning activities will help us continue to improve our productivity,” he said. 

In addition to achieving increased port capacity for BMA, the project has also created a range of opportunities for local suppliers.

Mick Crowe, Managing Director of G&S Engineering in Mackay and a key project supplier, said the benefits for local businesses and the community was evident.

“To work on a project of this size and calibre is both very challenging but also very rewarding,” Mick said.

“The commitment BMA and the project team have demonstrated to providing local business with the opportunity to be involved in projects of this scope is certainly valued by not only my team at G&S but many other businesses across the region,” he said.