Geraldton Port's new cascade chute means cleaner, faster shiploading

A new, state-of-the-art cascade chute at Geraldton Port will deliver major improvements to the port's environmental performance during shiploading.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the chute controlled the length of product free fall during shiploading operations - the shorter the free fall, the less opportunity for dust generation.

"The chute directs product through a series of off-set fiberglass cones that act like buckets catching, then releasing, the material as it falls," Ms MacTiernan said. 

"The cones, which are themselves sufficient to control dust, are then enclosed in a shroud and the result is amazing." 

The Minister said that during commissioning, the cascade chute fundamentally eliminated dust and presented itself as a sustainable solution for shiploading operations.

Geraldton MLA Shane Hill said that in addition to a major environmental improvement, the cascade chute's performance demonstrated that the shiploading rate could potentially be increased threefold.  

"As well as improving the environment for the community and port workers, this means each ship spends less time at the berth, so services will be better for all port users," Mr Hill said.

"The port is vital to Geraldton and so is clean air and water, so this initiative is to be commended."

Ms MacTiernan said the new chute at Geraldton was part of a broader Government commitment to improve the environmental performance of all the State's ports.