The Port of Newcastle has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) looking for collaborators in the potential operation, or operation and construction of an empty container park in the Mayfield Precinct of the port.
As of now, the port has not yet decided whether or not to proceed with the project, ultimately pending a response to its EOI.
If the project is to go ahead, it has proposed to make available 4 hectares (ha) of land to help establish the park.
In a statement from the Port of Newcastle, it has also mentioned it is prepared to consider establishing the facilities required in agreement with the applicant as part of the initial license.
“With the port’s investment in infrastructure, prime location and access to rail and road links, this could be a great opportunity for a collaborative partnership with our growing port,” said Lindsay Crutch, Prime Director at the Port of Newcastle.
“The EOI will remain open through tenderlink.com until 4pm on 5 November and the Port of Newcastle encourages shipping companies and stevedores to make contact for a discussion or present feedback on the scope and potential of an empty container park at the Port of Newcastle through the formal EOI process.”
The potential empty container park would be located on the Mayfield 4 berth, which is used for break bulk and general cargo.
The Port recently purchased two new Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbor cranes for that berth. Reported in July 2021, bought as part of a AU$28.4 million ($21 million) investment to boost the ports cargo and container handling capacity, the cranes are set expected to be delivered in mid-2022.
