Ports and Maritime
Located 420 km north of Perth, the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour serves as a key hub for commercial fishing, recreational boating, and maritime activities in Geraldton. The Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour is positioned along the coastline of the Indian Ocean, serving as a vital part of the city’s maritime landscape, supporting both commercial and recreational activities.
In November 2023, Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA) appointed SMEC to undertake above-water and underwater condition and structural assessments of key wharf and jetty structures in the Fishing Boat Harbour. The objective of this assessment was to determine the original and remaining structural capacity of the existing assets and to inform MWPA of the remediation works and investment required to accommodate the anticipated future demand for the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour.
Challenge
A significant challenge of the project was to complete a comprehensive assessment of the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour maritime assets, assess the operational risks and recommend remedial solutions with limited information available regarding the existing assets.
11
jetties and wharf structures assessed
1780
asset components inspected
15
days
of diving inspections
Tailor made solutions
To obtain key asset geometric data, SMEC partnered with Veris Australia to undertake 3D above water and underwater scanning to enable a 3D model of the Fishing Boat Harbour maritime assets to be created.
The 3D laser scanning, in combination with above-water and underwater condition inspections, which took place over 15 days, provided the missing gaps needed to develop a full 3D structural model of each asset. This key innovation provided a comprehensive assessment of the existing structures and enabled SMEC to prepare in-situ drawings for 11 jetties and wharf structures.
This solution provided MWPA with an accurate understanding of the structural capacity of its existing assets and the ability to manage its operational and maintenance risks over the lifecycle of the assets.
This was the first time our team undertook full 3D laser scanning of maritime structures in a busy port facility, enabling comprehensive 3D modelling of the structural integrity of existing infrastructure. This innovative approach provided the elevated level of detail needed to create accurate drawings of in-situ structures of the 11 jetties and wharves for the client.
Our Impact
Through tailored digital problem solving, SMEC simplified a complex long-term future challenge for Mid West Ports Authority. By collaborating with MWPA to provide a comprehensive visual 3D modelling assessment, provides MWPA with the tools to make informed decisions when planning future repairs, upgrades, and/ or facility developments in the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour.
Having access to comprehensive 3D modelling of the current structural integrity of the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour enables the simulation of various hypothetical loading conditions and provides an accurate representation of how the structure would respond to these scenarios. The 3D model be used to identify over-stressed structural members and assess overall structural health, facilitating early intervention to ensure long-term safety. This approach provides a practical course of action to better manage operational and maintenance risks over the lifecycle of the Geraldton Boat Fishing Harbour.
The Geraldton Boat Fishing Harbour is crucial to the community, supporting recreational activities, and driving the local economy through tourism and commercial fishing. The harbour plays a key role in seafood supply chains and vessel maintenance services, enhancing both economic vitality and safety.
Geraldton is one of Western Australia’s fastest-growing regional cities, with expanding infrastructure, amenities, and services that enhance its appeal as a place to live and visit.
In collaboration with Mid West Ports and its internal stakeholders, SMEC successfully delivered a project outcome that gives the tools for Mid West Ports to manage its operational and maintenance risks over the lifecycle of the assets in the Fishing Boat Harbour.
Ready
to
connect?
Talk to one of our specialists about our role on Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour Condition and Structural Assessment in Western Australia.