As part of a general re-construction of Berths No. 4 and 5 North Quay, the old transit sheds were demolished. The existing timber and concrete decks at No. 4 and 5 Berths were demolished and re-built to carry 80 tonne axle loads, compared to the 50 tonne axle load capacity of the existing heavy duty berths.

The Stateships terminal at North Quay was upgraded. A new entry gate and associated gatehouse/office building, a new amenities building, car parks and a container storage heavy duty paved area were all part of the upgrade.

October 1980

Western Australian jarrah was one of the Swan River Colony's earliest exports. It was used to repair the hull of H.M.S. "Success" in 1829 and upon the ship's arrival in England, the Admiralty immediately ordered more for use by the Navy. In October 1980, a record shipment of 6,000 tonnes of jarrah was loaded on the "Boogabilla" bound for Southampton.