SIMIC

Under the contract, McConnell Dowell will complete the first stage of the Swanson Dock West Remediation Project which includes the remediation and upgrade of the existing wharf structure.Port of Melbourne CEO, Saul Cannon said he was excited to see the project progressing as part of Port of Melbourne's 2050 Port Development Strategy, reports Container News.

"We are committed to meeting our stewardship obligations to manage, operate, maintain and develop the port for the benefit of the economy and the State," stated Mr Cannon.

"Swanson Dock West wharf structures must be remediated and upgraded to enable us to continue to handle container vessels for the next 50 years," he added.

"The existing Swanson Dock West wharf is of varying ages and forms of construction. Sections of the wharf are close to or beyond the typical design life of 30 years and as a result, major remediation is needed," noted Mr Cannon.

Swanson Dock West International Container Terminal, comprising a 944-metre wharf with three container-handling berths, which were constructed in several stages between the 1960s and 1980s. The terminal currently has a three-berth operation.

Port of Melbourne's three-stage programme has been developed to enable it to maintain a two-berth operation for the duration of the works.