The new shiploader was first announced in 2025 as part of a significant investment programme committed to Port Waratah’s Kooragang Terminal shiploaders, strengthening its infrastructure for the future.

The investment programme is headlined by the procurement of the new shiploader for installation at Kooragang’s K4 berth in 2028, alongside major upgrades and life-extension works on the terminal’s two other existing shiploaders These critical assets will continue to support operations for decades to come.

Looking ahead, the next phase of refurbishment works will commence in July 2026, with the refurbishment of Shiploader 7.10. This continues the staged investment approach across the fleet following the successful completion of the first stage of refurbishment works on shiploader 7.09 in 2025.

 Port Waratah’s CEO, Hennie du Plooy said the objective of this capital investment programme is to ensure that the terminal facilities are positioned to meet customer expectations and Hunter Valley coal chain demand beyond 2030.

“Seeing the first steel cut for our new shiploader is an exciting step forward turning our long-term investment plans into reality,” said Mr du Plooy.

“This new machine will play a critical role in ensuring we continue to meet customer expectations well beyond 2030.”

“We are proud of the decades of performance these machines have delivered, and equally focused on renewing and strengthening our assets to continue to deliver safe, reliable and efficient service to our customers and support our people and our community.”

The first steel cut for the new shiploader took place at contract partner Civmec’s Henderson facility. The new shiploader is being delivered as a fully Australian-designed and integrated solution, supporting local industry capability from design and fabrication through to assembly and ongoing maintenance.