The Australian Oil & Gas Review
ONSLOW BASE A WIN FOR WA PILBARA
“Onslow will quickly develop into a strategic goods and vessel handling location for the Pilbara Region.”
THE $125 million first stage of Onslow Marine Support Base (OMSB) has officially opened. The facility, operated by Agility Logistics, will act as a key service hub for oil and gas operators off the north-west coast of WA. It is being offered as an alternative to Dampier and Exmouth, with companies such as Chevron and BHP able to access services closer to their operations. The base is also set to generate more than 100 permanent positions and a raft of business opportunities for the Onslow region. Stage one involved the construction of a berth pocket in Beadon Creek to form a 26,000sqm land-based wharf facility comprising a new 250m berth face, LCT ramp, and five refuelling stations. Preliminary works on a second stage are now underway as OMSB awaits Federal approval for a $16.8 million loan. “The base will be a ‘game changer’ that will improve every aspect of operations, safety, and response times, and costs to name a few,” developer OMSB’S managing director Andrew Natta said. “We want the market to test us, look at how much space we have, and look at what the town can provide.” Agility Australasia chief executive Frank Guerra said the company was “very excited” about the marine project, and had been working closely with Mr Natta and OMSB for more than two years. “As a Global Logistics provider, Agility is very interested in offering complete supply chain solutions for both international and domestic suppliers to and from Onslow and our base in Perth,” Mr Guerra said. “Not only will it complement the existing infrastructure in Dampier but it will also enhance the service offerings for the North West Shelf. “Onslow will quickly develop into a strategic goods and vessel handling location for the Pilbara Region.” WA Transport minister Rita Saffioti said the base will be “transformative” and provide significant benefits for the offshore oil and gas industry. "My agencies and our Government will continue to work with the base to maximise the shared benefits of the project,” Ms Saffioti said. "I look forward to working with the base to assist it in securing Federal Government funding to expand its operations."