WEIPA
- Latitude: -12.6682 •
- Longitude: 141.859 •
- North Australia •
- Port in Australia
Address: Australia
Weipa Port - Overview
Weipa is a key deep-water port located on the western coast of the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Australia. The port primarily serves the region's extensive bauxite mining operations, specifically those managed by Rio Tinto, which are among the largest in the world. Below is a detailed description of the port's attributes, facilities, and specifications:
Location
- Geographical Position: Latitude 12° 37' S, Longitude 141° 51' E
- System: Time Zone: GMT +10
Port Facilities
Berths and Terminals
Lorim Point Wharf:
- Primary Function: Handling of bauxite and alumina shipping.
- Berth Length: Approximately 440 meters.
- Draft: Up to 13.7 meters at the deepest berths.
- Cargo: Primarily bauxite, with some bulk alumina and other commodities.
Evans Landing:
- Function: General cargo and fuel shipments.
- Berth Length: Approximately 265 meters.
- Draft: Around 9.3 meters.
- Cargo: General goods, fuels, and containerized cargo.
Storage and Handling
- Stockpiles and Warehousing: Significant storage capacity for bauxite with various stockpile areas near the port.
- Bulk Handling Equipment: Utilized for efficient loading/unloading of bulk bauxite.
- Transport: Conveyor systems to move bulk bauxite from mining areas directly to shipping facilities.
Navigation and Pilotage
- Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels; provided by Queensland Government pilots.
- Navigational Aids: Comprehensive systems including buoys, beacons, and lights for safe entry and departure.
- Tidal Range: Ranges up to 3 meters, with potential impacts on docking and loading facilities.
Services and Amenities
- Customs and Immigration: Facilities available for international shipping and crew processing.
- Resupply and Provisions: Accessible services for fresh water, food supplies, and other essential needs.
- Ship Repair and Maintenance: Limited facilities available, though not extensive compared to larger ports.
- Waste Disposal: Services provided for proper disposal of waste including bilge water and garbage.
Accessibility and Connectivity
- Road Access: Good road links to mines and surrounding regions.
- Air Access: Nearby Weipa Airport connected to major cities in Queensland.
- Sea Routes: Regular shipping routes connecting to major Australian ports as well as international destinations in Asia and beyond.
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
- Port Governance: Managed by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP).
- Environmental Regulations: Stringent compliance with Australian environmental standards and international MARPOL conventions.
- Safety Regulations: Comprehensive safety protocols including emergency response plans.
Economic Importance
- Primary Export: Bauxite, with Weipa being one of the world's largest bauxite export hubs.
- Industries Served: Mining, energy, and general cargo industries.
Recent Developments
- Upgrades and Expansions: Continuous improvements in infrastructure to support growing export volumes and enhance operational efficiency.
- Sustainability Efforts: Initiatives aiming at reducing carbon footprints and maintaining ecological balance.
The Port of Weipa is an integral part of Australia's resource export infrastructure, facilitating significant contributions to both the regional and national economy. The combination of its specialized facilities, strategic location, and robust operational protocols underscores its pivotal role in global bauxite supply chains.