BELL BAY

• Latitude: -41.1602
•
• Longitude: 146.884
•
• East Australia
•
• Port in Australia

Address: Bell Bay TAS Australia

Bell Bay Port Description and Specifications

Location: Bell Bay is a port located in northern Tasmania, Australia. It is situated on the eastern shore of the Tamar River estuary, approximately 50 kilometers upstream from the river’s mouth at Bass Strait and about 40 kilometers north from the city of Launceston.

Coordinates: Latitude: 41°09' S Longitude: 146°51' E

Port Type: Deepwater port with infrastructure to handle various cargoes including bulk, breakbulk, and containerized goods.

Facilities and Features

1. Wharves & Berths:

   • No. 4 Berth: Operational for bulk carriers, offering a depth alongside of approximately 11 meters.
   • No. 5 Berth: General purpose berth capable of handling bulk and breakbulk cargoes, with a similar depth of around 11 meters.
   • No. 6 Berth: Specializes in handling containerized cargo with container cranes available.
   • No. 7 Berth: Used predominantly for handling liquid bulk substances.
   • No. 8 Berth: Primarily for forestry-related exports including woodchips.

2. Terminal Services:

   • Container Terminal: Equipped with modern container handling equipment.
   • Bulk Handling Facilities: Includes automated loaders/stackers for bulk commodities such as alumina, manganese, and others.
   • Woodchip Loader: Specifically designed for the export of woodchips.
   • Storage Facilities: Abundant warehousing and open storage areas for various commodities.

3. Depth:

   • The port can accommodate vessels with drafts up to around 11 meters at low tide, subject to tidal influences and maintenance dredging activities.

4. Navigation:

   • Well-marked entrance with navigational aids to facilitate safe passage.
   • Pilotage is compulsory for all visiting vessels, ensuring safe maneuvering through the Tamar River to the port berths.

5. Cargo Handling Equipment:

   • Mobile cranes, container gantries, fork lifts, and bulk loaders.
   • Rail and road connection directly serving the port, facilitating efficient cargo movement inward and outward.

6. Support Services:

   • Bunkering: Available for vessels calling at the port.
   • Ship Repairs: Limited repair services available; larger maintenance may need to be conducted at specialized facilities.
   • Towage and Mooring Services: Provided by local service providers to assist in vessel berthing and departure.

7. Environmental and Safety Measures:

   • Strict adherence to environmental regulations to minimize pollution and protect the local ecosystem.
   • Comprehensive safety measures and emergency response protocols in place to handle accidents or hazardous material spills.

Economic Significance

Bell Bay is a critical component of Tasmania’s economic infrastructure, providing significant support to the state’s mining, forestry, and manufacturing industries. It serves as an export hub for processed minerals, forestry products, and other commodities, contributing substantially to both the regional and national economy.

Connectivity

The port boasts efficient rail and road connectivity to the interior regions, ensuring seamless movement of goods to and from internal markets. Its hinterland connectivity is further augmented by its proximity to Launceston, the region's major urban center.

In summary, Bell Bay Port is a versatile and strategically located harbor in Tasmania that plays a pivotal role in regional trade, providing expansive and well-developed facilities for various classes of cargo. Its importance is amplified by its effective connectivity and access to global shipping routes through Bass Strait.