Works commence to secure long-term future of Port Bonython Jetty

Monday, 26 September 2022

Works have commenced to extend the operational life of Port Bonython Jetty in the Upper Spencer Gulf, a key piece of infrastructure that provides significant energy export and investment opportunities for South Australia.

The $32.7 million Port Bonython Jetty Upgrade is fully funded by the South Australian Government and involves the refurbishment of key structural elements of the jetty and other works required to extend the operational life of the jetty by 40 years.

The Port Bonython Jetty Upgrade is expected to support an average of 60 full-time equivalent jobs per year during construction.

The State owned and managed Port Bonython Jetty was constructed in 1982, and is leased to Santos, which operates a processing plant at the deep-water port site, located just north-east of Whyalla.

The 2.4 kilometre-long jetty is used to export natural gas and crude oil piped 659 kilometres from Moomba, and import diesel products from overseas refineries.

Works commenced last week and are expected to be completed in 2024, weather permitting.

The works will be focused on the platform and berthing and mooring structures at the sea-end of the jetty and include:

• removal and replacement of existing fenders on two berthing structures;
• high pressure hydro blasting to remove outer skin of concrete on berthing and mooring structures (undertaken within a temporary enclosed structure to minimise environmental impacts);
• re-concreting berthing and mooring structures; and
• upgrades to all ship mooring quick release hooks.

A comprehensive environmental plan is in place to ensure the environmental significance of the area is maintained. During construction, containment and encapsulation systems will be used to capture waste materials from high pressure concrete removal, maintaining water and air quality throughout the project.