Westport: Shaping the future of maritime infrastructure with sustainable coastal management and port development

Westport is the Western Australian State Government’s planning program to move container trade from Fremantle to Kwinana. The project is one of Australia's most ambitious maritime infrastructure initiatives to plan, build and operate the most sustainable port in Australia and mark a significant milestone in the region's development. Through our work on this project, we’re shaping the future of coastal infrastructure by delivering exceptional engineering and environmental management, driving innovation, and paving the way for sustainable development.

Project overview  

The Westport Taskforce was established in 2017 to develop a long-term strategy addressing the increasing freight demands of Perth and its surrounding regions. This multi-billion-dollar project is designed to establish the next generation of container ports, stimulate Western Australia's economic growth, support local employment, and create new opportunities. In collaboration with other consultants, we have combined international experience, local site knowledge, and expertise in port planning, design, and environmental assessment. Our maritime and coastal engineers lead this effort, ensuring every aspect of port operations is optimised for efficiency and sustainability.

“We highly value the services provided by BMT and would like to continue availing your expertise for the ongoing works of the project.” – WSP

Kwinana Port - WA

Scope of Work

Our scope of work in this project has been extensive and multifaceted. During Stages 1-2 (2017 – 2022), we provided specialist port engineering advisory and project management support, contributing to the development of the port layout for multiple options.

This included the design of turning basins, dredge channels, and the evaluation of associated costs for 25 potential port development options. Our dredging cost estimates and analyses have been instrumental in determining the strategic direction of the project.

Beyond the physical design, our team conducted hydrodynamic modelling to assess water quality impacts in Cockburn Sound. We also evaluated the necessity of a breakwater to ensure port operability, which involved comprehensive dynamic mooring analysis with and without a breakwater. Our geotechnical engineering services included reviewing marine geotechnical data and identifying gaps crucial for planning dredging activities.

In Stage 3 (2022 – 2024), we took part of a world class consortium of maritime experts to deliver supply chain-integrated design. During this stage our multidisciplinary scope included delivery of large scale capital dredging and land reclamation management plan, breakwater design, hydrodynamic modelling, coastal engineering and marine environmental advice. In 2024-205, we continue to provide essential environmental modelling to understand and effectively manage the impact of Westport on the environment of Cockburn Sound. Throughout the project, we have managed various workstreams, ensuring seamless internal stakeholder coordination and maintaining a comprehensive awareness of the project’s sequence of events.

"We’ve built a strong reputation with the Government and Westport, delivering high-quality outcomes and crucial information that guide their decisions. Our expertise is helping to shape a future port that will serve Western Australia for decades to come."  – Karim Ghaly, Team Leader Coastal and Maritime.