The wharf remediation project at BHP Berth C&D continues to tick along nicely since works began on site in March this year.
Duratec is engaged by BHP
Late last year, Duratec was engaged to undertake a $48 million wharf remediation project at Finucane Island, off Port Hedland in WA. More specifically, the project involves works to Berth C&D and consists of the following objectives:
- Repairs to steel piles and steel members
- Replacement of steel ladders
- Concrete remediation
- Repairs to pile wrapping
- Installation of pile jackets
- Fabrication and installation of a new raw-water line and hose connection points
- Repairs to jetties at Berth D
- Demolition of two access landings
Milestones so far
Works on the remediation project are progressing well with milestones including:
- Completion of initial pre-shutdown works
- Completion of eight non-shutdown periods of works, with some tasks including:
- Suspended scaffolding works
- Rope access works
- Concrete repair
- Structural strengthening
- Completion of six shutdowns (three to each berth) out of a scheduled total of 12 shutdowns, with works including:
- Pre-works scaffolding
- Mobilisation and positioning of Duratec’s jack-up barge in berth pocket
- Erection of IGO-50 crane on jack-up barge
- Installation of complex modular scaffolding utilising jack-up barge crane
- Rope access works
- Multiple small-vessel interactions and remediation scopes
Successful shutdowns
Duratec has now successfully performed six out of 12 shutdowns, all of which have involved high-risk, technically difficult works executed in a time-pressured environment. Shutdowns also involve complex logistics which can take up to a year or more in planning.
Highlights of the shutdowns at Berth C&D so far have included:
- Implementation of up to 170 personnel on site
- Long shutdown campaigns in excess of 20 days
- Works completion rate of more than 90 per cent in critical shutdown scenarios
- Inclusion of additional scopes in planning to maximise shutdown opportunities for client
Innovative ideas
Throughout this project, Duratec has implemented a number of innovative methodologies, starting with the provision of specialist engineering advice prior to the commencement of works. Other innovations have included:
- Use of self-erecting IGO-50 crane on Duratec’s driller 100 jack-up barge
- Building of Duratec fleet – further vessels added
- Operation of both EWP and scissor-lift vessels
- Innovative, light-weight, modular, pre-fabricated scaffolds (designed by Duratec’s in-house design specialists) for efficient installation and removal
- 3D modelling and animation of work stage planning (again created by in-house designers), allowing project team to visualise works
The road ahead
Duratec looks forward to a busy 2024 at Berth C&D with several more shutdowns planned and key objectives including:
- Completion of campaigns four and five, including four extremely busy shutdown periods in March and August 2024
- Commencement of demolition scopes
- Continuation of pipework installation to commission new waterline along wharf
- Further works to strengthen Berth D headstocks, shoring up wharf for future shiploader upgrades
- Ongoing assessment of wharf elements for scope growth items to assist client in maximising remediation opportunities on Berth C&D
