Trelleborg supplies to Australian shiploader, berth replacement project

Queensland, Australia – Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure is taking part in a shiploader and berth replacement (SABR) project which is aimed to enhance the operational safety and efficiency at Hay Point coal terminal, in Mackay, Queensland.

The Swedish engineering group will provide passive grout seals, inflatable grout packers, mud diaphragms, quick release hooks, remote release system and mooring load monitoring system for the project at Berth 2A, said a 7 June statement.

The project involves the disassembly and replacement of one of the existing berths and shiploader, to enable the terminal to withstand future cyclonic weather events and ensure the long term sustainability of the operation.

Trelleborg’s passive grout seals and inflatable grout packers support grout curing by creating a strong bond between the pile and the steel jacket structures, and ensuring that no leakage can occur during grouting.

This minimises the impact on the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef.

The jacket structures are installed at each end of the existing berth to extend shiploader travel by more than 40 metres.

According to Trelleborg, grout packers are made from reinforced rubber and are subjected to strict quality controlled pressure testing and weld inspection.

Trelleborg said it uses finite element analyses (FEA) to verify rubber seal deformation at maximum holding pressure.

Quick release hooks enable mooring lines to be safely secured, and quickly and easily released.