The Westport Project represents a significant shift in Western Australia's freight infrastructure. This state-run long-term project aims to move container trade from Fremantle to Kwinana, involving the planning and development of new freight systems and hubs and all new port infrastructure service the future of Western Australia.
Over the course of the year, NTRO has been providing expertise and support spanning multiple areas from sustainability, port planning and technical advisory roles.
In November 2023, Westport identified a preferred design for WA's future container supply chain. This design incorporates a new port in Kwinana, supported by an upgraded road and rail freight network and a logistics hub. Alongside the Westport team and other subject matter experts, NTRO's role has focused on refining this design, which now forms the basis of the Westport business case.
NTRO's Executive Director (Ports & Airports) Jason Sprott serves as a member of the Westport Specialist Advisory Group, offering expert insights on port planning and sustainability. This group plays a crucial role in shaping strategy, policy development, and technical problem-solving for the program, offering strategic advice to the Government of WA.
Our team has also focused on Westport's environmental goals, including the objective to "Design and catalyse a net zero port and local container supply chain by 2050." To this end, we’ve been involved in developing a comprehensive net zero strategy and action plan.
Key contributions from NTRO have included:
- A six-month secondment to the Westport project office, providing on-site expertise within the Strategy and Policy team.
- Development of three net zero scenarios for Westport's business case, offering a range of pathways towards decarbonization.
- Technical analysis and interpretation of carbon models and frameworks, ensuring robust data underpins decision-making.
- Advice and review of decarbonisation and net zero summary papers for project control group papers. Facilitation of workshops with program partners and specialist advisory groups, fostering collaborative approaches to net zero challenges.
- Creation of a detailed net zero strategy and action plan, encompassing carbon assessment boundaries, decarbonization targets and pathways, cost estimates, and a roadmap aligned with the preliminary construction schedule.
As Westport continues to move towards its next phases, NTRO remains committed to providing the expertise and assistance needed to realize this ‘once in a generation’ vision for Western Australia's freight future.