ASHBURTON

  • AUASB
  • Latitude: -21.6666
  • Longitude: 115.014
  • West Australia
  • Port in Australia

Location: Ashburton Western Australia Australia

Ashburton Port, also known as the Port of Ashburton, is a modern facility located on the northwest coast of Western Australia. This port plays a significant role in supporting the region's rapid economic development, primarily driven by the resource and energy sectors.

Location

  • Country: Australia
  • State/Territory: Western Australia
  • Coordinates: Approximately 21.6381° S latitude, 115.1125° E longitude
  • Nearest Town: Onslow

Ownership and Management

  • The Port of Ashburton is managed by the Pilbara Ports Authority, which oversees several ports in the Pilbara region.

Major Functions

  • Resource Export: The primary function of Ashburton Port is to facilitate the export of natural resources, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other petroleum products.
  • Support Services: The port provides various services and infrastructure to support the oil and gas industry, including supply bases and maintenance facilities.

Infrastructure and Facilities

  • Berths and Jetties: The port features specialized jetties and berths designed to accommodate large LNG carriers and other specialized vessels.
  • Storage Facilities: Onsite storage solutions include tanks and other facilities designed for LNG and other hydrocarbons.
  • Support Services: The port provides a range of marine services including pilotage, towage, and vessel traffic services that ensure safe and efficient port operations.
  • Industrial Areas: Adjacent industrial areas support a variety of activities related to the energy sector, including equipment maintenance and logistics.

Key Specifications

  • Draft Depth: The port can accommodate vessels with significant draft, making it suitable for large LNG carriers and other sizeable bulk transport vessels.
  • Channel Details: The port features well-maintained navigation channels, which are dredged and marked to ensure safe passage for large vessels.
  • Cargo Handling: Equipped with modern cargo handling equipment suitable for LNG and other liquid bulk products.

Environmental and Safety Measures

  • Environmental Management: Stringent environmental regulations are enforced to protect the surrounding marine and coastal ecosystems. Measures include spill response capabilities and continuous monitoring.
  • Safety Protocols: Comprehensive safety procedures are in place for both port operations and the handling of hazardous materials, conforming to international maritime safety standards.

Accessibility

  • Road Access: The port is accessible via road, with connections to major highways that link the port to other parts of Western Australia.
  • Airport Proximity: The nearest major airport is located in Onslow, providing connectivity for personnel and smaller cargo.

Future Developments

  • There are ongoing plans to expand and enhance the port's facilities to better serve the growing demands of the resource sector. This may include additional berths, expanded storage facilities, and further improvements to support infrastructure.

Significance

  • Economic Impact: Ashburton Port significantly contributes to the local and national economies by enabling the efficient export of natural resources and supporting the energy sector.
  • Strategic Importance: The port's location and advanced facilities position it as a critical node in Australia's resource export infrastructure.

Overall, Ashburton Port is a vital maritime facility that supports Australia's booming resource industry, playing a crucial role in the export of LNG and other energy products while adhering to high standards of safety and environmental protection.

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