GERALDTON PORT AUTHORITY - FACILITATING GROWTH

GPA is currently experiencing an ever increasing period of growth, fuelled by iron ore exports and strong minerals trade, including mineral sands, concentrate and talc.

The GPA is carefully managing this growth, setting a series of key milestones to indicate when greater investment in infrastructure should take place to facilitate the next phase of growth.

Geraldton Port has created somewhat of a niche market for the export of iron ore in smaller ships to shallow draft ports in China. The proximity of Geraldton to Asia has also made the Port and attractive option for exporters.

Geraldton Port is able to cater for ships up to Panamax size with a 12.8m draft and a maximum cargo capacity of up to 66,000 tonnes.  

Currently GPA has two berths dedicated for minerals and ore, one berth that is primarily used for bulk grain export and two multi-purpose berths that are utilised for fertilizers, fuel, general cargo and livestock.

More specifically, GPA’s dedicated iron ore berth - Berth 5, officially opened in April 2008 and has a maximum loading rate of 5,000 tonnes per hour (tph). This berth has been developed to the highest standard of environmental engineering.  Whereas Berth 3, as the bulk grain berth is operated by Co-operative Bulk Handling, and has two ship loaders with a 1,000 tonne per hour capacity for cereal grains.

Two new tugs were commissioned at the start of 2005 – the Tarcoola and Wajarri.  Both have a 50 tonnes bollard pull capacity, easily catering for the heaviest loaded Panamax vessels.

One of the Geraldton Port’s greatest strengths is its diversity.  In addition to catering for exports of grains, minerals and livestock and imports of fertiliser and fuels, the Port welcomes cruise ships, oil rig tenders and many different exhibition craft.  The Port also supports Geraldton’s lucrative fishing industry, providing berthing facilities, maintenance, waste disposal and security services to the Fishing Boat Harbour.

The Port’s greatest strength however is its partnerships.  GPA is a key member of the Mid West community, forming strong relationships with its customers, suppliers, industry bodies and local government.  This allows GPA to fulfil its mission to encourage trade facilitation by being a profitable, cost effective and efficient logistics provider.

To view the GPA Organisation Chart, click here