The “overall stability” of critical infrastructure used by one of Tasmania’s main shipping companies “does not meet current contemporary standards”, the state’s ports regulator has confirmed.

Strait Link, previously known as Toll Shipping, provides regular sea freight services between Burnie and Melbourne.

But TasPorts said the shipping company’s dedicated berth at Burnie will need urgent remediation work after structural issues were found as part of a wharf monitoring program.

“Areas of scouring were identified beneath the quay wall at berth four at the Port of Burnie, which is the current home of Strait Link,” TasPorts chief executive, Anthony Donald said in response to ABC questions.

“TasPorts has undertaken significant investigative works to fully understand the scope of the issue.

Mr Donald said the wharf’s “original concrete mass structure” was more than a century old, although some modifications had been made over the years.

“While there are no indications the infrastructure will fail, TasPorts has mobilised a dedicated project team to undertake immediate remediation works and upgrades to modern standards,” he said.

Strait Link is still able to use the facility, but controls have been put in place to manage the “increased risk”.

“Strait Link is continuing to utilise berth four for shipping operations and both parties are working cooperatively on the matter with both aligned on the importance of marine safety.”

Strait Link declined to comment, but Mr Donald said TasPorts was working collaboratively with the shipping company to resolve the situation.

“We appreciate this will provide some level of inconvenience to customers and remain committed to working with Strait Link and other port users to minimise operational disruptions and expedite a solution,” he said.

TasPorts did not provide an estimated cost for the remediation works.

King Island wharf safety incident 

TasPorts, a state-owned company, has acknowledged a range of “legacy challenges” relating to both infrastructure and operations.

One recent issue involved a safety incident at the Port of Grassy on King Island late last month.

On July 23, a heavy bollard became airborne after it was ripped from the wharf while a freight vessel, the John Duigan, was tied to it during heavy seas.

“Fortunately, no-one was harmed.”

The incident was reported to WorkSafe Tasmania, as well as other marine authorities.