Building for growth

Australian ports are putting more infrastructure and capacity behind project cargo, while wind energy has become an important source of volumes at several gateways. Queensland, Australia’s port of Townsville began a significant infrastructure project to enhance its project cargo handling capabilities in mid-2025, with the construction of a large laydown area at its East Port Precinct.

Local contractor Mendi Constructions delivered the project in April 2026, including upgrades at a local intersection and the construction of the 14 ha laydown area itself. The project involved civil works, pavement construction and drainage upgrades to ensure the port’s facilities can safely manage high volumes of heavy project cargo – including wind turbine blades up to 100 m in length.

The port’s general manager of operations, projects and safety, David McLoughlin, said: “This critical piece of infrastructure will help facilitate the region’s planned investments including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and critical minerals.”

Project cargo and breakbulk activity has been elevated over the past 18 months at Port Kembla, New South Wales. Last year, TSL discharged 12 oversized breakbulk units from Vietnam at the gateway; the 2,400 cu m shipment included pieces up to 7 m high/wide and weighing 52 tonnes. The operation required over-height port access, changes to rigging and temporary storage before onward delivery.

This story was originally published by Project Cargo Journal. Read the full story at Project Cargo Journal →