Port Hedland Tug and Tug Harbour Project |

Case Study

Port Hedland Tug and Tug Harbour Project

Overview

Baird assisted BHP from the project identification phase through to commissioning and post-construction activities. The project involved assessment of port and channel risk, investment analysis of risk mitigation options which led to the construction of six world-leading escort tugs and a new cyclone rated tug harbour at Port Hedland.

Project Highlights

The Port Hedland Tug and Tug Harbour project is a $240 million USD project to provide specialized escort tugs for Port Hedland to manage channel risk and a new cyclone rated tug harbour. The project involved the construction of 6 specialized escort tugs, and a new tug harbour to accommodate up to 8 tugs. The project has provided risk mitigation at Port Hedland, the world’s largest bulk port, through extended escort of iron ore carriers, and provide towage for future port capacity.

This was a landmark project for Baird in Australia as the lead consultant for BHP through the planning study and definition phase engineering. Baird also provided technical support for the business case analysis over the 2.5 year studies and design phase. Baird provided an array of services including engineering, modelling, risk assessment, project management and procurement support. Baird led an international team, including the world-leading Robert Allan Limited naval architects, to develop an escort/harbour tug that is uniquely suited to the operational requirements at Port Hedland, including towage services in elevated seas with an approaching tropical cyclone. The study team led by Baird delivered the 30% design package and assisted with tendering and ship yard selection on-time and under-budget. Baird supported BHP as an owner’s engineer during the project execution and delivery phases. Baird continues to support BHP in further risk mitigation activities at Port Hedland.

Project Challenges:

Quantifying likelihood of extreme consequence, low likelihood events
Design and operational constraints of Port Hedland, the world’s largest bulk export port which sole iron ore export port for BHP and two other major iron ore companies
Developing an escort tug that can undertake a range of duties, including harbour towage, but provide design performance in approaching cyclone seas
The requirement for a robust, proven tug design whilst having the design optimized for Port Hedland’s unique operating requirements
Tight project timelines

Project Solutions:

Baird led the development of a bottom-up risk model to quantify likelihood and consequence of severe events
Baird led the scoping and technical management of extensive technical studies involving data collection, numerical and physical modelling, and world-leading navigation simulations to provide data inputs into risk assessment and engineering
Baird selected and managed an international team to undertake the escort tug design phase which included Robert Allan Limited who are world leading naval architects for tug boats
Baird’s most experienced and qualified personnel provided project management and client representation for the project
Our unique knowledge and insight into the port and marine operations at Port Hedland were integral to the stakeholder engagement associated with the project

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