The Project Scope involved replacement of four conveyor galleries with fabricated, like-for-like components, constructed by First Nation Engineering, an Indigenous owned and managed business with a reputation for safe, professional, efficient delivery of SMP projects.
The Port of Esperance plays a key role in exporting iron ore from Western Australia to the world. The CV26 conveyor, part of the Port’s iron ore circuit, facilitates the movement of millions of tonnes of iron ore, nickel, and grain, annually. The conveyor system has endured harsh coastal conditions, making this upgrade essential to support the Port’s efficiency into the future.
This project highlights the extensive planning and execution delivered by First Nation Engineering, for critical and timely upgrades.
Awarded to First Nation Engineering by the Southern Ports Authority, this project involved a $2.4 million investment to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the Port’s iron ore infrastructure. The CV26 conveyor upgrade is critical for facilitating exports to the world.
This project was delivered in such a way as to ensure that upgrades were undertaken with minimal interruption to the operations of the Port.
Following off-site fabrication, the conveyor galleries were transported to Esperance in July and August of 2024, ahead of the planned September installation.
Central to the delivery strategy of First Nation Engineering was a focus on proactive identification and management of project risks, through clear and consistent communication with key stakeholders.
General Manager of First Nation Engineering, Jo Abraham said the project was a prime example of a purposeful partnership that delivers value to the industry-at-large.
“The Port of Esperance’s export business has a critical need for a safe and effective conveyor system as integral infrastructure for load-outs,” Abraham said.
“I am proud to say we successfully carried out the CV26 conveyor replacement, in a highly congested location of an operational port, while delivering on our commitment to safe outcomes.
“It was a pleasure collaborating with Southern Ports Authority, in helping to ensure the Port’s efficiency and effectiveness into the future.”
This project showcases the collaboration between Southern Ports Authority and First Nation Engineering to deliver essential infrastructure upgrades at the Port of Esperance.
The ability to integrate off-site fabrication with onsite installation underscores the capability and capacity of First Nation Engineering to adapt and deliver on-time, even in high-pressure and operational environments.
We are proud to partner with Southern Ports Authority in delivering this important project while continuing to support Indigenous participation in the sector.
A sincere thank you to Southern Ports Authority for engaging First Nation Engineering in this important infrastructure upgrade.
The collaborative approach between the client and our skilled delivery team has resulted in a successful outcome with minimal disruptions to Port operations, further solidifying the growth of trade in the region and beyond.
