Fremantle Ports has officially launched a new $91.2 million clinker import circuit at the Kwinana Bulk Terminal, marking a significant milestone in Western Australia’s efforts to diversify and sustain its economic growth.
The state-funded project, spearheaded by the WA government, reflects the government’s vision to strengthen the region’s nation-leading economy by enhancing critical infrastructure supporting key industries.
Clinker, the essential raw material used to produce cement, plays a foundational role in Western Australia’s housing and infrastructure sectors.
The newly commissioned clinker import circuit at Kwinana Bulk Terminal now stands as the state’s sole import location for clinker, streamlining the entire process from unloading to storage and transfer.
This development is expected to support Western Australia’s ongoing economic expansion by ensuring a steady and efficient supply of crucial materials needed for construction and major projects.
A key feature of the clinker circuit is its advanced conveyor system, which directly transports cement clinker and granulated slag from the terminal to Cockburn Cement via a dedicated pathway.
This innovation significantly improves operational efficiency by reducing handling times and minimising interruptions during unloading. Additionally, the storage capacity has seen a substantial upgrade; a newly constructed large dome can now hold a full shipment of 40,000 tonnes of clinker.
This is four times the capacity of the previous storage facility, highlighting the scale of the investment and the ambition behind the project.
This clinker circuit represents the largest single capital investment at Fremantle Ports since the major Inner Harbour dredging project over a decade ago.
Last year alone, Fremantle Ports facilitated the import of one million tonnes of white and grey clinker sourced primarily from Indonesia, with additional supplies from Japan, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Fremantle Ports CEO Jodie Ransom stated: “With our new system, we will improve our operational efficiency and dust suppression, enabling faster, uninterrupted unloading of product and in doing so, reducing port or berth congestion.
Ransom said the unique first-of-its-kind installation, combined with the high-risk work involved in constructing the dome, makes the project stand out as exceptional and a testament to everyone who contributed.
He expressed pride in his colleagues and the collective effort that delivered the asset, highlighting that it was completed without any lost time injuries.
Ransom added that the project’s success gives them confidence as they move forward with plans to transform Fremantle Ports in the years ahead.
The new system will not only increase capacity but also improve environmental management through enhanced dust suppression measures, making it a cutting-edge facility designed to meet future demands.
The completion of this project aligns with Western Australia’s broader economic strategy to diversify resources and maintain sustainable growth.
With growing populations and infrastructure needs across the state, the new clinker import circuit positions Fremantle Ports and the broader construction industry to meet these challenges effectively and contribute to ongoing job creation and industry development.