Cape Preston Transhipment Operations

Project Overview

Cape Preston, on Western Australia’s Pilbara coast, is home to one of the world’s largest magnetite mining and processing operations. With shallow harbour conditions, the port cannot accommodate large ocean-going bulk carriers directly. Instead, a transhipment model is used, transferring ore via tugs and barges from the port to offshore anchorage points where cargo is loaded onto bulk carriers for export.

This system is efficient but complex, requiring continuous marine access services, safe towage practices, and skilled crews able to manage vessel and barge movements in dynamic offshore conditions. Poorly executed operations can compromise safety, efficiency, and export schedules.

The Cape Preston Port Company engaged TAMS to provide specialist marine access and transhipment support. TAMS was tasked with supplying skilled personnel to support daily tug and barge operations, delivering towage expertise and providing vessels to enhance the fleet’s capability.

Scope of Work

TAMS personnel are embedded within Cape Preston’s tug and barge operations, taking on responsibility for the daily transhipment of ore from the port to the outer harbour anchorage. The marine access works include: crewing and operational support for tug and barge movements, vessel positioning, barge tows, and mooring operations. Central to this effort was the deployment of the Annemarie, a versatile TAMS vessel that added both capacity and reliability to barge support activities, ensuring continuity even during peak operating periods.

Beyond the day-to-day operations, TAMS brought its extensive towage expertise to the development of risk assessments and mitigation strategies that underpinned safe vessel movements. These frameworks addressed everything from tug-to-barge connections and tow configurations to emergency response protocols, embedding rigorous standards into Cape Preston’s marine operations.

Key works included:

• Tug and Barge Operations
• Transhipper Manning
• Crew Transfer Operations
• Adhoc Diving, Mooring, Rope Supply
• Ongoing and Adhoc Vessel Supply
• Port Construction and Remediation Works

Solution

The success of the project lay in the integration of skilled people, proven vessels, and best-practice systems. TAMS’ diverse marine-focused workforce provides the capability required to manage complex transhipment operations reliably. The addition of the Annemarie offers flexibility within the fleet, ensuring barge movements can continue uninterrupted even during peak demand.

TAMS’ contribution extended beyond operations into safety and risk management. Drawing on extensive towage experience, the company created detailed operational procedures and mitigation strategies that reduced risks associated with vessel-to-vessel transfers and offshore towing in exposed conditions. Training and mentoring reinforced these standards among crews, embedding best practice across the operation.
The partnership is underpinned by collaboration. TAMS works closely with Cape Preston Port Company to align marine operations with export schedules while maintaining strict compliance with safety and environmental requirements. This integration of client and contractor teams ensures efficient, safe, and reliable operations.