Hawser Rail Upgrade Enhances Safety and Efficiency

Since 2022, our Coastal and West Pilbara Operations project team have been working on the Hawser Rail Upgrade project, which, once completed, is expected to improve the safety and efficiency of one of our largest customers' mooring activities. Project Lead Ben Curnick explained the reason for the upgrade works.

"Existing mooring dolphins have low-level hawser rails, presenting a fall hazard to operational personnel when completing mooring activities," he said. 

To mitigate the fall risk, the project team has been working on designing, supplying, and installing 32 new dolphin decks with raised hawser rails. 

Teamwork has been the key to the successful execution of this project, which included multiple shutdowns.

A workforce comprised of 80 skilled tradespeople such as Scaffolders, Boilermakers, Trade Assistants, Welders, Riggers, Crane Operators, Truck Drivers, Blaster/Painters, Vessel Crew and NDT Technicians were involved, as well as 12 Supervisors and 15 indirect personnel handling management, quality assurance, health and safety, and administration.

As with all projects, safety remains the number one priority. Through active engagement and a strong safety culture the team has been recognised on multiple occasions for their efforts.

"The team has been heavily involved in the “Hi-5” program, a customer initiative that recognises innovation that has a positive safety impact. To date, 9 project improvements have been submitted”. Ben said. 

Among the achievements are innovations like landing guides and forklift attachments, which have been recognised and awarded by our customers.

The project is expected to be finished in 2024.