The objectives of the Tender is to select a suitable contractor with the experience and capability to safely operate and maintain the Port of Townsville launch vessel based in Abbot Point, utilise this asset to transfer marine pilots to and from commercial vessels transiting the Abbot Point Coal Terminal, and to facilitate land transportation of marine pilots to and from the Abbot Point Coal Terminal to the Bowen launch facility.

The Abbot Point Coal Terminal is a major coal export facility located near Bowen in North Queensland, Australia. It is strategically situated to serve as a key export hub for coal from the Galilee Basin, one of the largest untapped coal reserves in the world.

The terminal is capable of handling large quantities of coal, with a capacity of approximately 50 million tons per year. To service this export demand, the Port of Townsville provides marine pilots that facilitate the berthing and sailing of approximately 729 movements per annum.