Cairns port expansion approved to handle larger cruise ships and increase freight capacity

The Queensland state government has given final approval for a $420 million expansion of the Port of Cairns, authorising the construction of a new deep-water berth capable of accommodating the largest cruise vessels currently operating in the Asia-Pacific region and increasing bulk freight throughput by 35 per cent.

Ports North chief executive Nicolas Fertin said the expansion was essential infrastructure for the continued growth of Cairns as a cruise destination and for the export of Far North Queensland agricultural produce, particularly tropical fruit and sugar, which was being constrained by the port's existing berth capacity during peak harvest periods.

The new deep-water berth, extending the existing wharf structure by 240 metres, will allow Cairns to welcome Oasis-class cruise vessels carrying up to 6,000 passengers — ships that currently cannot enter the harbour due to draught restrictions. Industry modelling suggests the larger vessels would add approximately $85 million annually to the local economy if Cairns can secure regular calls from cruise lines currently bypassing the city.

The freight capacity increase will include new refrigerated container handling equipment specifically designed for temperature-sensitive tropical produce, addressing a long-standing quality concern among mango and papaya exporters who currently truck produce to Brisbane for containerisation.

Environmental assessment of the dredging required to achieve the deep-water depth has been completed, with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority approving the program subject to strict sediment management conditions. Construction is expected to begin early next year.

This article was compiled by AI from the sources linked above and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.