Murchison Metals in 2005 commissioned Maunsell-Aecom to carry out an independent review of nine alternative port locations. This study identified Point Zuytdorp as the cheapest location to build a deep water port. Reference to marine charts will confirm that along the mid west coast Point Zuydtorp offers a unique combination of deep water and protection. Technically it is the natural location to construct the proposed deep water port. Oakajee howvever was stated to be the preferred location as it has approvals in place now, will benefit Geraldton, and is preferred by the government.
Access to Point Zuytdorp would involve construction of railways lines through relatively simple terrain that is government owned and sparesly populated. Contrast this with Oakajee that has difficult terrain and is surrounded by numerous small landholdings of valuable farm land.
A port at Point Zuytdorp would also be more acceptable to the crayfishing industry and the internationally acclaimed windsurfing fraternity.
Oakajee is technically a challenging location as it requires a 2km long breakwater to be built to reach the 20m depth. This requires 10 million tonnes of fill to be placed into the ocean. The government desires that the port be available to multiple users and this continues to delay finalisation of design and costings.
What was originally proposed to be a simple design capable of loading two cape class vessells simulltaneously has now been expanded to include several additonal berths for other potential cargos, eg wheat. The cost is ever increasing as the government continues to add more design criteria.
Oakajee will ultimately potentially be a $1Billion dollar dearer port option then Pt Zuydtorp.
The fundamental requirement for a deep water port is ultimately driven by the customers. Larger ships mean reduced freight costs and for the customer it is financially sound to a point to build a port to accommodate larger vessels eg cape class rather then be restricted to smaller panamax and handymax vessels as is the case now. As the cost of the proposed port rises will it still be viable?
At present the governmet wants the port at Oakajee. Although the proposed users Murchison Metals and Midwest Corp publicly also support this don't be surprised to see a combination of public outcry and unfavourable costings raise the possibility of an alternative location....
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