Port strategy a navy bonus

THE Port of Townsville channel widening could mean some of the largest American warships would be able to dock together.

The USS Green Bay has docked in Cairns with more than 550 sailors and marines flocking to the city.

Port of Townsville chief executive Ranee Crosby said our port, at its current size could comfortably accommodate large naval ships, including the HMAS Adelaide.

“We do have US ships visit here as well, so it’s not a port capability – as Cairns is similarly sized,” she said. “They can and do come here … and park and anchor vessels during exercises with the ( Royal) Aus- tralian Navy offshore.” Ms Crosby said the city had a good reputation for being friendly among visiting naval vessels.

“In Townsville we get good feedback from any of the naval ships,” she said. “Sailors who get off are thrilled with the experience they get and say the people of Townsville are great.

“We’ve got plenty to offer and every time we get to meet a captain or commanding officer, they rate it here as well.”

The USS Green Bay arrived in Australia after finishing its operation to support the Papua New Guinean Defence Force and provide security for the Asia Pacific Economic Co- operation 2018 summit held in Port Moresby.

Ms Crosby said the channel widening project, due to be completed by 2021, meant more ships could be berthed.

“We built the cruise ship and defence terminal which was about increasing defence visitation,” she said. “It’s fantastic – we’ve seen an increase in the number docking.

“We had 21 navy vessels last year, from Australia, the US and Singapore. We are a welcoming naval port.”

Ms Crosby said Defence had a contractual arrangement with the port where they can co- ordinate any foreign or RAN berths.

She said the Australian Government decided it was strategic to invest in Townsville “... so foreign allied warships can utilise berths when they need them,” Ms Crosby said.