Groote Eylandt Oversized Truss Barging

PMG recently completed two oversized roll-on deliveries by tug and barge from Cairns to Groote Eylandt.

The Groote Eylandt Manganese Ore Export Wharf, owned by GEMCO, sustained significant damage during Cyclone Megan in 2024. As part of the reconstruction works, two large steel trusses were fabricated in Cairns by CSF Industries. Each truss measured 62 metres in length and weighed over 100 tonnes. They were fabricated in three sections, transported to the Duck Pond Barge Ramp in Cairns, welded together, and paint repairs were completed on site.

PMG’s scope included loading the trusses in Cairns using a heavy roll-on operation, transporting them by barge to Groote Eylandt, and coordinating their discharge and installation directly into the construction front.

The operation utilised our 54m x 18m barge PMG182, towed by our Damen 2609 Shoalbuster Sea Charlie. The two trusses were delivered over two separate voyages between Cairns and Groote Eylandt.

Prior to mobilisation, the barge was configured for the task at our Townsville marine facility. The heavy ramp mounting points were NDT-tested, seafastening lugs pre-installed, and the barge was then towed to Cairns. A temporary roll-on ramp was constructed by Koppens at the Duck Pond to accommodate the 12m long, 2m wide, 400mm deep ramps. The trusses were rolled on using SPMTs operated by Mammoet without issue and securely lashed for transit.

This project brought together multiple companies – PMG, Glanville Naval Architects, Mammoet, CSF Industries, and GEMCO – delivering an outstanding result for the client.