Capacity boost at Port of Townsville's busiest berth
The Port of Townsville is increasing handling capacity at Berths 3 and 4 through a $6.5 million upgrade that will improve cargo-handling capacity and enable larger vessels to access one of the Port’s busiest berths.
The works have enabled the Port’s Liebherr Ship-to-Shore crane to operate along an additional 360 metres of berth, extending its reach from Berth 4 onto Berth 3 and enabling it to service 550m of quayline.
Port of Townsville General Manager of Operations, Projects, and Safety David McLoughlin said the upgrade formed part of a broader program of works to accommodate larger-class cargo ships at the Port of Townsville and to strengthen its long-term trade growth and capabilities.
“Berth 3 is one of our highest demand berths, and extending the crane access provides great efficiency gain for our customers,” Mr McLoughlin said.
“With the Ship-to-Shore crane now able to work across both Berths 3 and 4, we can support future trade growth by handling greater volumes and turn ships around more efficiently.”
More than 85 per cent of the work was delivered locally, with BMD Constructions’ Townsville team leading the project and supported by local subcontractors.
BMD Northern Region General Manager Gerard Keynes says the project is the result of BMD's collaborative, local first approach.
“We delivered this project for the Port of Townsville, supporting growth at northern Australia’s largest container and automotive port for decades to come,” Mr Keynes said.
“We drew on over 30 years of experience in North Queensland, with a strong focus on engaging local workforce and suppliers.
"Clocking over 13,000 hours of work, the project engaged local contractors, including DLB, BK Concreting, Metalrig and Advanced Civil, while creating full-time employment opportunities for engineers, supervisors, labourers and concreters.
“This project forms part of BMD’s strong and expanding pipeline in Townsville across the transport, land development and port sectors.”
The project which commenced in July 2025 and reached practical completion this month, was delivered while maintaining continuous operations at Berths 3 and 4 for the duration of the construction period.
