Job Reports > Sheet Pile > Port Melville, Melville Island

Melville Island
Tiwi Islands
Wharf construction

A 7,000 tonne shipment to China on September 11, 2004 marked the beginning of a 200,000 tonne per annum forestry export program for Melville Island and the opening of the first stage of the development of Port Melville.

As a valuable long-term income-producing asset, the port will make a significant contribution towards the Tiwi goal of a secure economic future for their people.

A large component of the completed first stage of the port is constructed of sheet pile. LX12, LX16, LX25, LX20, LX25 and LX32 was supplied by Steelcom Pty Ltd and an on -site facility was established to weld 12 and 16 metre piles to achieve the required 18 metre lengths.

The land backed section piles were driven 6-7 meters into the sea bed. The pitching of piles was carried out with use of a land based crane and the piles were then partially driven with a barge mounted pile rig with a drop hammer in leaders. This was usually to a penetration of about 4 meters. The final driving was achieved with a Kobe K15 diesel hammer mounted on flying leaders.