Safely replacing critical berthing infrastructure at Northern Queensland’s largest container and automotive port
The Port of Townsville required the replacement and upgrade of critical fender infrastructure at Berths 1 and 11 to maintain safe and reliable vessel berthing operations. Duratec was engaged to undertake the full removal and replacement of two fenders at each berth, together with associated chains, cone sections and front fender panels.
Working within a live port environment presented several challenges, with short access windows and continual changes to shipping schedules requiring a highly adaptable approach. To safely execute the works while maintaining port operations, Duratec adopted a methodology combining crane operations, marine plant and rope access techniques. This provided the flexibility needed to respond to changing berth availability and vessel movements without disrupting shipping activities.
At Berth 1, the scope involved assembling new fenders and chains, transporting components by barge, disconnecting and removing the existing fender systems, and installing the new units. Similar works were undertaken at Berth 11, where Duratec also removed and replaced fender cone sections and renewed six front fender face panels to restore the berthing system’s operational performance.
Through detailed planning, close coordination with port stakeholders and specialist marine and industrial construction expertise, Duratec successfully completed all four fender change-outs safely and without incident. By combining crane and rope access methodologies, the team was able to adapt to changing vessel schedules and restricted access windows while ensuring no impact to ongoing shipping operations. The completed works have enhanced the reliability and performance of these critical berthing assets, helping support the continued operation of one of Northern Australia’s most important trade gateways.
