News, Work health and safety

Celebrating 40 years of safe coal shipping

Abbot Point Operations (APO) has celebrated four decades of safe coal shipping at the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQET).

This week, the BBG Liuzhou became the 6902nd ship to safely berth at the terminal since operations began in 1984.

APO general manager port operations Allan Brown said the milestone was a credit to the hundreds of local workers who had maintained the terminal for more than a generation.

“Our people are our business, and they are the foundation of 40 years of dedicated best practice in operating and maintaining this critical piece of national infrastructure,” he said.

“From the production crew to the pilots, the tradespeople to the train drivers, and the engineers to the enviros, each member of our dedicated team has played a vital role in shaping the success story of the North Queensland Export Terminal.”

APO HSEC manager Kate Mee and NQXT general manager Mark Smith hand special anniversary gifts to mariners. Image: APO

To celebrate the milestone, the APO team held a morning tea where APO gift packs were given to train drivers and mariners.

“We’re proud of our role in helping transport high-quality Queensland metallurgical and thermal coal to the world where it advances development and provides affordable and reliable energy that lifts people out of poverty,” Brown said.

“And as Bowen locals we are equally proud of our efforts to ‘grow local’ and provide jobs, training, and corporate giving that contribute to the economic and social fabric of our community.

“It’s been wonderful to come together as a team to celebrate this milestone, reflect on the journey so far, as well as chart a course for the next 40 years.”

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