Port of Gladstone expects to reach full capacity by end of March

The Port of Gladstone is expecting its first shipments of coal from the Blackwater line by the end of this week. According to Leo Zussino, CEO of Gladstone Ports Corp., QR National, the rail operator, has said that the Blackwater rail system is anticipated to open by Thursday 20 January, with a planned throughput of 100,000 tpd.

“A number of mines are operating and building stock in readiness for the planned reopening,” Zussino said. “With the Moura rail line open and the Dawson, Callide and Boundary Hill mines railing coal, the port can now start ramping up export capacity.

Based on supply chain delivery, Zussino said the port expects to be able to load around 2 million t of coal this month. The port is then expected to reach full capacity by the end of March, assuming no further catastrophic weather events.

At present, there are 10 vessels at anchor, with a further six vessels scheduled to arrive over the coming week. However, the port’s stockpile remains at a critical low of just over 300,000 t.

Meanwhile the Port of Bundaberg remains closed to commercial shipping due to the flooded Burnett river. The Port of Alma will also remain closed to commercial shipping until the impact of the floods can be assessed. Survey work will be undertaken between the 20 – 24 January.

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