Services
North Queensland Bulk Ports provides safe, sustainable and competitive seaport services to efficiently facilitate the growing tonnages of imports and exports through its ports.
Our ports are critical trade gateways for Queensland. To facilitate trade growth and to ensure effective operational capability, we must look for new approaches and opportunities to collaborate with local business. Our continued work on strategic asset management and development plans for each of our ports provides a firm base for us to invest, as well as to attract investment from the private sector, to deliver the infrastructure needed to support longer term trade development.
As a port authority for ports of Mackay, Weipa, Abbot Point and Hay Point, our key role is to:
- manage and develop reliable, appropriate port facilities and infrastructure to cater for existing and future trade needs
- maintain appropriate levels of port security and safety
- coordinate emergency response
- protect the environment by minimising impact of development
- be committed to, and have regard for, the interests of the local community.
Maintaining navigable port depths and pilotage are the responsibilities of NQBP, while port navigation is controlled by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ).
In general, NQBP uses outside service providers for stevedoring and towage operations.
Port users are encouraged to make their own enquiries in relation to these services.
At the Port of Mackay, NQBP provides a mooring lines handling service to visiting trade and commercial vessels that use its wharf facilities.
Maritime Safety Queensland
Maritime Safety Queensland is a branch of the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Their role is to protect Queensland's waterways and the people who use them.
MSQ is responsible for:
- improving maritime safety for shipping and small craft through regulation and education
- minimising vessel-sourced waste and responding to marine pollution
- providing essential maritime services, such as aids to navigation and vessel traffic services
- encouraging and supporting innovation in the maritime industry.
Visit the MSQ website for further information about the services they provide.
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Vessel traffic services
The Port Control Centre (call sign ‘MACKAY VTS’) is situated at the Port of Hay Point. For ship traffic scheduling, pollution incidents and reporting defective navigation aids, please direct initial enquiries to the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Centre. MSQ provides a 24-hour, 7 days a week marine operations service to the port community. Contact details are as follows:
- VHF Radio: Channels 10 and 16
- Phone: 1300 645 022
- Email: VTSHaypoint@msq.qld.gov.au
In the event of an emergency, the VTS Centre is the key notification and communications facility that will activate the appropriate response agencies.
Marine operations
The Port of Mackay operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The Port of Mackay currently handles around 190 trading vessels per year, but can potentially handle 550 to 600 of such vessels per year before material port congestion would occur.
Read about berths and wharf capability
Landside operations
Wharf Length Width Maximum Wharf Deck Loads Maximum Vehicle Loads Maximum Vessel Wharf-1 123.6 m 17.6 m 50 kPa 54.4 t axle 50,000 DWT Wharf-3 230.8 m 12.6 m 15 kPa* (10 kPa when
shiploader in same bay)50,000 DWT (berth pocket)
70,000 DWT*Wharf-4 139.4 m 20 m/18.3 m 37.6 kPa 54.4 t axle 50,000 DWT Wharf-5 165 m 20 m 40 kPa T44 truck (wharf deck)
90 t crane (approach)60,000 DWT * Subject to Regional Harbour Master approval and the use of and encroachment into the berth pocket for No. 4 Wharf as well.
Bunkering
Road tankers are used to provide bunkers in small quantities. Permission must be obtained from NQBP and the Regional Harbour Master prior to commencement (Maritime Safety Queensland 2016). No onboard fuel transfers are to take place within the Port of Mackay without first obtaining permission from NQBP, with such permission limited to daylight hours only.
Fresh water
Fresh water is available at all berths. View our water services customer charter.
For further information contact NQBP by telephone on +61-7-4955 8171 or email port operations.
Electrical power
Single and three phase power is available at wharves 3, 4 and 5.
Port security
As Mackay is a security-regulated port under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003, NQBP has an approved Maritime Security Plan. This plan was officially approved by the Office of Transport Security.
Under International Maritime Organisation (IMO) legislation, there’s a procedure that ships must follow when entering the port. Before entering the port, the ship’s master must report the following information directly to NQBP or via the ship’s agent:
- International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) compliance number
- current ship security level or any change to the ship security level while in port
- ship security officer contact details
- list of expected visitors/contractors
- nominated providore
- crew list and identification
- any security incident (as defined under the ISPS code or Maritime Transport Security Legislation) while in port.
Find information on the security requirements at Mackay.
Oil spill procedures
For oil spill incidents, NQBP has a first strike response role in all its ports. For major spills, resource is provided by MSQ to take over the response. The first strike response will be under the direction of the MSQ Regional Harbour Master. A trained responder in the port will act as team leader in the response, under the direction of MSQ, unless an MSQ person assumes this role.
In the event of an oil spill, immediately notify both:
- the Regional Harbour Master Mackay on +61-7-418 872 478
- the Mackay VTS 1300 645 022 and NQBP’s staff member by telephone on +61-7-4955 8165 or +61-7-408 558 169. (If after hours, call NQBP’s 24-hour number +61-7-4955 8171.)
Garbage disposal and waste services
Ships moored to a commercial wharf must arrange for the appropriate collection and disposal of all wastes, quarantine or otherwise, unless exempt by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (Maritime Safety Queensland 2016).
Quarantine waste must then be kept in sealed plastic bags on board the vessel until arrival of the collection vehicle when it is then to be delivered to the collection vehicle (Maritime Safety Queensland 2016).
JJ Richards provides quarantine waste removal if requested. You can contact JJ Richards to arrange:
- Phone: +61-7-4956 3897
- Fax: +61-7-4956 3898
- Mobile: +61-7-434 070 504 or +61-7-418 760 528
- Email: portscorp@jjrichards.com.au
Facilities are available at Mackay for the collection of tank washing slops, oily mixtures containing chemicals, oily bilge water, oil sludge and sewage. The service is provided by NQ Resource Recovery Pty Ltd who can be contacted by telephone +61-7-4952 4967.
Emergency services
Any marine incident, for example a collision, grounding or fire occurring within the port should be reported immediately to ‘Mackay VTS’ on VHF Channel 16 and by phoning 1300 645 022.
Where a non-marine incident is caused through the activities of a port user on port land, the initial response is the responsibility of the port user. Contact NQBP at +61-7-4955 8171 and they will coordinate the required response for the Port of Mackay.
For local emergency services telephone ‘000’ and specify if fire, ambulance or police are required.
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Vessel traffic services
The Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) for Weipa is situated at the Regional Harbour Master’s office. For ship traffic scheduling, marine pollution incidents and reporting defective navigation aids, please direct initial enquiries to the VTS. The call sign is ‘WEIPA VTS’. MSQ provide a 24-hour, 7 days a week marine operations service to the port community. Contact details are as follows:
- VHF Radio: VHF CH12 and CH16 (Weather schedule provided at 0533 and 1733 on VHF CH67)
- Phone: +61-7-4052 7470
- Fax: +61-7-4052 7460.
Marine operations
Read about berths and wharf capability
Landside operations
Port security
As Weipa is a security regulated port under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003, NQBP has an approved Maritime Security Plan. This plan was officially approved by the Office of Transport Security and is audited on a regular basis. Under International Maritime Organisation (IMO) legislation there is a procedure ships must follow when entering the port. Before entering the Port of Weipa, the ship’s Master must report directly to their ship’s Agent the following information:
- international Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) compliance number
current ship security level or any change to the ship security level while in port - ship Security Officer contact details
- list of expected visitors/contractors
- nominated providore
- crew list and identification
- any security incident (as defined under the ISPS code or Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Legislation) while in port.
Find information on the security requirements at Weipa.
Oil spill procedures
For oil spill incidents, NQBP has a first strike response role in all its ports. For major spills, resource is provided by MSQ to take over the response. The first strike response will be under the direction of the MSQ Regional Harbour Master. A trained responder in the port will act as team leader in the response, under the direction of MSQ, unless an MSQ person assumes this role.
In the event of an oil spill, immediately notify both:
- the Regional Harbour Master on +61-7-4052 7400 (or 1300 551 899, after hours)
- the NQBP Port Supervisor on +61-7-4069 7749 or +61-7-428 885 022. (If after hours, call NQBP’s 24-hour number +61-7-4955 8171.)
Garbage disposal and waste services
There are no waste or quarantine waste facilities available; however, there are garbage disposal facilities.
Ships should dispose of all garbage (other than quarantine waste) ashore using the garbage reception facilities. Contact the NQBP Port Supervisor on +61-7-4069 7749 or +61-7-428 885 022, or email jclark@nqbp.com.au to coordinate garbage disposal. Note: 24 hours’ notice is required.
Emergency services
All shipping emergencies should be reported to Weipa VTS on VHF 16 and the terminal, and they will coordinate the required response based on procedures detailed in the NQBP Emergency Response Plan for the Port of Weipa.
For local emergency services telephone 000 and specify if fire, ambulance or police are required.
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Vessel traffic services
The Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) centre is operated by Maritime Safety Queensland and is situated at the Regional Harbour Master’s office in Townsville. The centre’s call sign is ‘ABBOT POINT VTS’. The VTS should be contacted in relation to ship traffic scheduling, pollution/marine incidents and reporting defective navigation aids. A 24-hour, 7 days a week marine operations service is provided by MSQ to the port community.
Note: VHF coverage at Abbot Point is limited to VHF channel 12 and 16. Ships may also contact Abbot Point VTS through Reef VTS on VHF Channel 14.
Marine operations
Read about berths and wharf capability
Landside operations
Port security
As Abbot Point is a security regulated port under the Maritime Transport Security Act 2003, NQBP has an approved Maritime Security Plan. This plan was officially approved by the Office of Transport Security.
Find information on the security requirements at Abbot Point.
Oil spill procedures
For oil spill incidents, NQBP has a first strike response role in all its ports. For major spills, resource is provided by MSQ to take over the response. The first strike response will be under the direction of the MSQ Regional Harbour Master. A trained responder in the port will act as team leader in the response, under the direction of MSQ, unless an MSQ person assumes this role.
In the event of an oil spill, immediately notify both:
- RHM Townsville through Abbot Point VTS on 1300 721 263 or 1300 721 239 or VHF Channel 12
- NQBP staff by telephone on +61-7-4955 8165 or +61-7-408 558 169. (If after hours, call NQBP’s 24-hour number +61-7-4955 8171.)
Garbage disposal and waste services
There are no waste or garbage disposal services available.
Emergency services
Contact emergency services through Abbot Point Control using the internal telephone call 327 or external telephone +61-7-4786 0327 or by contacting the ship’s agent.
For local emergency services, telephone 000 and specify if fire, ambulance or police are required.
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Vessel traffic services
Vessel Traffic Services (call sign ‘HAY POINT VTS’) is situated at Hay Point. For ship traffic scheduling, pollution incidents and reporting defective navigation aids, please direct initial enquiries to the VTS Centre. A 24-hour, seven days a week marine operations service is provided by MSQ to the port community. They are contactable on:
- VHF radio: Channel 10 and 16
- Phone: +61-7-4956 3489
- Email: VTSHaypoint@msq.qld.gov.au
In the event of an emergency, the VTS Centre is the key notification and communications facility that will activate the appropriate response agencies. Ship traffic movements may be accessed on the QSHIPS website.
Marine operations
Read about berths and wharf capability
Landside operations
Port security services
As Hay Point is a security regulated port under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003, NQBP has an approved whole of port Maritime Security Plan. Each terminal has responsibility to maintain and manage its own facility Security Plan. All plans are officially approved by the Office of Transport Security and audited on a regular basis.
Under International Maritime Organisation (IMO) legislation there is a procedure ships must follow when entering the Port. Before entering the Port of Hay Point, the ship’s Master must report the following information directly to NQBP or via their ship’s agent:
- International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) compliance number
- current ship security level or any change to the ship security level while in port
- ship security officer contact details
- list of expected visitors/contractors
- nominated provedore
- crew list and identification
- any security incident (as defined under the ISPS code or Maritime Transport Security Legislation) while in port
Find information on the security requirements at Hay Point.
Oil spill procedures
For oil spill incidents, NQBP has a first strike response role in all its ports. For major spills, resource is provided by MSQ to take over the response. The first strike response will be under the direction of the MSQ Regional Harbour Master. A trained responder in the port will act as team leader in the response, under the direction of MSQ, unless an MSQ person assumes this role.
In the event of an oil spill, immediately notify both:
- the Regional Harbour Master on +61-7-4944 3700 (or +61-7-4956 3489 after hours)
- NQBP’s Port Operations Centre on +61-7-4955 8171 or +61-7-417 761 086, (If after hours, call NQBP’s 24-hour number +61-7-4955 8171.)
Garbage disposal and waste services
Waste facilities are available onshore. However, collection of tank washing slops, oily bilge water and oily mixtures containing chemicals and oil sludge cannot be arranged.
Garbage disposal is available through JJ Richards who provides a service for the collection of garbage, sewage and quarantine waste.
For quarantine waste contact JJ Richards:
- Phone: +61-7-4956 3897
- Fax: +61-7-4956 3898
- Mobile: +61-7-434 070 504 or +61-7-418 760 528
- Email: portscorp@jjrichards.com.au
For all other disposal contact JJ Richards Mackay Office:
- Phone: +61-7-4952 3555
- Fax: +61-7-4952 3932
- Email: operations.mackay@jjrichards.com.au
Emergency services
NQBP has developed an Emergency Response Plan that covers situations such as cyclones, marine incidents, bomb threats, fire, explosion or fatalities. Copies of the Response Plan are held at NQBP’s office in the port, by the Regional Harbour Master in Mackay and by a number of port users and other key agency contacts.
Where a non-marine incident is caused through the activities of a port user on port land, the initial response is the responsibility of the port user. NQBP and Hay Point VTS can be contacted on VHF 16 and they will coordinate the required response based on procedures detailed in the NQBP Emergency Response Plan for the Port of Hay Point.
For local emergency services telephone 000 and specify if fire, ambulance or police are required.