GVK-Hancock last week received federal government approval for the port construction, which will be used to export coal from its Alpha and Kevin’s Corner mines in the Galilee Basin.

It is now in the box seat to start exporting coal from Abbot Point by 2016.

Once fully constructed, the port will consist of a stockyard, two rail receiving dump stations, a piled jetty structure extending 3.8km north-northeast from the shoreline, two berths, civil infrastructure to support the port project, as well as ship loaders and stacker reclaimers.

GVK chairman GV Krishna Reddy said: “This is a key strategic development for us and further underscores our deep commitment to the Alpha coal project.

“After receiving all the Tier 1 approvals, this is the first major step towards finalising the construction contracts and completing the financing for the project which is well underway.”

GVK vice chairman GV Sanjay Reddy said: “Given the size of this project and the complexities involved, both Samsung C & T and Smithbridge will play a crucial role in areas such as construction supervision and program management.

“We are confident that this partnership will yield significant synergies for all parties involved.”

The port of Abbot Point, the most northerly coal port in Australia, will be serviced by GVK-Hancock’s new standard gauge railway, which will deliver 25,000 tonnes per trainload of coal.

The port is expected to be ready to deliver its first coal 36 months from commencement of construction.

Samsung C & T is the major partner in the construction JV and will provide much of the steel used in the fabrication of the port.

Smithbridge will be responsible for engineering, marine works and providing the expertise to construct in Australian conditions.

In addition to Smithbridge, a number of other Australian subcontractors will be involved in the erection and assembly of the land-based equipment by providing construction equipment and labour.

There will be approximately 650 jobs created during the three years of port construction and approximately 100 long-term port jobs will be required throughout the port’s operations.

The combined Alpha mine, rail and port project will provide 1800 ongoing, operational jobs and employ around 4000 people during construction.