$55m clinker circuit investment to boost economy

Fremantle Ports today announced work would start next month on a new $55m clinker import circuit facility at its Kwinana Bulk Terminal in the Outer Harbour.

The clinker facility will streamline the importation of clinker - the principal element in the manufacture of cement - and consist of a storage dome nearly 40m high and a covered conveyor network. The dome will be the first of its type in Australia.

More than 1.1 million tonnes a year are imported through Kwinana Bulk Terminal, destined for domestic, commercial and industrial construction projects throughout the State. Around half comes from Indonesia, with the remainder from Japan, Malaysia, Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.

Fremantle Ports CEO Michael Parker said the new clinker circuit would link directly to the adjacent Cockburn Cement Ltd plant and also deliver efficiency benefits to the State’s other major clinker importer, BGC.

“Without clinker industry stops and every tonne of the commodity entering WA comes through Kwinana Bulk Terminal,” Mr Parker said.

Mr Parker said the storage dome would be able to hold an entire shipment of clinker - around 40,000 tonnes - with this project replacing cargo-handling assets that do not have the same capacity and are near end-of-life.

With construction starting next month, the new assets are scheduled to be in use by the second quarter of 2024.

“This is a very exciting investment, because it not only offers our customers improved efficiencies and supports the construction industry in WA, but cargo-handling will be faster, meaning there will be gains for our customers and also in terms of ship turnaround times at berth,” Mr Parker said.

The clinker project was the latest in a succession of new developments in the Kwinana industrial area, benefitting local communities and supporting jobs, he said.

“Our aspiration is to provide the most reliable, safe and sustainable facilities through which importers and exporters can conduct trade.”