A complex move in Port Hedland

Precision planning was needed by the Port Hedland team to pull off the complex movements of 16 iron ore locomotives at the Port of Port Hedland – a task the team were more than up for, delivering safely and ahead of schedule.  

Port Hedland Depot Superintendent – Heavy Lift, Clyde Hunter commended the team for working on a solution to meet critical berth loadings at the Pilbara Port Authority’s Port of Port Hedland. 

“We used a 30 line Cometto self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) to complete the delivery from discharge (ships hook) to the laydown area,” he said. 

“The limited laydown area made all transfers very tight, but the team managed to complete the discharge successfully which was the initial challenging hurdle.” 

“Once the discharge was complete, the team had to reconfigure the SPMT to an 18 line, and the locomotives needed to pass quarantine inspection prior to receiving approval to move to the final destination,” he said. 

The customer used their own cranes, including a 650-tonne crane and a 400-tonne crane, for the loadout to platform trailers to transport to their final destination. 

“Once the locomotives were at the yard, the team assembled the gantry system to unload the locomotives as they arrived.” 

“Despite the complexity of the operation, we managed to unload all 16 locomotives in just four days, which was well ahead of the planned schedule and safely in place.” 

“The team did an excellent job and it’s a testament to the expertise and experience of the team involved.” 

Well done to all involved!