Solid Energy currently moves coal via rail, but after Toll Rail placed speed and weight restrictions on the rolling stock because of the poor state of the track, the coal producer started looking at alternatives such as barges and trucking.
Company chief Donald Elder told local media the government’s promise to spend $200 million upgrading the line would not prompt the company to change its plans.
Solid Energy spokesperson Vicki Blyth is reported as saying a contract for commissioning the three deck ships was being seriously discussed and Solid Energy was seeking expressions of interest to build, own, and operate motorised barges.
