Revamped Karratha wharf fit for a King
After more than four decades supporting vessels and withstanding the Pilbara’s harsh coastal conditions, it’s no surprise the King Bay Supply Base (KBSB) wharf needed a refresh.
“It was beginning to show its age,” acknowledges Dave Harwood, Karratha Supply Facility Asset Manager, adding: “And safety was the absolute priority.”
Built in the 1980s to initially service Karratha Gas Plant’s Trains 1 and 2, the wharf was ready for a significant overhaul.
The year-long refurbishment, led by the North West Shelf Onshore Projects team, introduced new wharf bunkering services, including fuel, water and glycol (used in heating and cooling) lines.
More than 140 old tyres previously used as fenders to absorb vessel impact on the wharf were replaced with 26 heavy-duty fenders, each weighing 19 tonnes – around the weight of a large bus filled with passengers.
And those tyres proved that age is just a number!
They’ve now been recycled into gym mats, playground flooring and acoustic underlay – reflecting our approach to conduct business sustainably.
Instead of reinstating a costly, corrosion prone walkway, the team worked with contractors to introduce a bespoke overhead rail rope access system. The 250 metre trolley mechanism aims to enable safer, more efficient inspections of under wharf piping and structural components.
 |
The rail rope access system sets a new benchmark for KBSB’s maintenance safety,” notes Worley Project Engineer Chas Murray.
The wharf’s seawall was strengthened using an innovative approach, building up grout‑filled sandbags after erosion caused by Tropical Cyclone Damien in 2020.
Several local businesses played a key role in the project including Worley and Monadelphous. Duratec executed the main scope of works with several supporting local sub-contractors; North West Alliance providing waste services and Yurra providing scaffolding.
The way everyone worked together from Woodside’s logistics and projects teams to all contractors was outstanding,” Dave enthuses.
Dave explained that despite the complexity and high-risk nature of the work, the project was delivered safely and on time, estimated to extend the wharf’s life until approximately 2043.
“With our Scarborough Energy Project approaching start-up in Q4 2026, the successful delivery of the project enables continuity of critical services and offshore logistics. It also maintains flexibility and priority access, making the wharf an integral part of a safe, reliable and efficient supply chain.”
Watch the full transformation below!
