Drop in March port figures no damper for Seafarer Centre

CYCLONE Narelle, which has put a damper on Pilbara Ports’ March figures, hasn’t hindered plans for the $21 million Port Hedland Seafarers Centre — with construction now underway.

Pilbara Ports delivered a total monthly throughput of 63.7 million tonnes (Mt) during March, which was an 8% decrease compared with March 2025.

The new Seafarers Centre will be funded by Pilbara Ports, with costs recouped over time from iron ore customers: BHP, Fortescue, Hancock Iron Ore, and Mineral Resources.

The centre at the Port of Port Hedland reached a significant milestone this week, with a sod turning event signalling the beginning of construction.

Benchmark Construction and Building has been awarded the contract to construct the new centre which aims to be a welcoming space for seafarers visiting Port Hedland, and will include areas for rest, connection, recreation and access to vital support services.

A state government media release said it would feature a communal lounge equipped with games and kitchen facilities, quiet areas, a library, meditation and prayer rooms and a shared chapel. It will also provide access to Wi-FI internet, SIM cards, and proximity to local shops and amenities.

“The centre will also feature public spaces and it will be a gathering place for visiting tourists, as popular harbour tours will be facilitated by the centre, and public terraces will provide a great opportunity for ship-spotting or relaxing in Marapikurrinya Park,” the release stated.

“Seafarers are essential to keeping Western Australia's supply chains moving, with the Port of Port Hedland delivering 43% of the world's iron ore exports in the 2024-25 financial year.

“Each year, approximately 150,000 seafarers visit the Pilbara region, contributing significantly to Australia's export revenue and supporting jobs in Western Australia's resources sector. Many seafarers are away from home and family for long periods, and being able to access shore leave is a vital part of ensuring their physical and mental wellbeing.”

Pilbara Ports chief executive Samuel McSkimming said starting construction on the project was a pivotal moment for Pilbara Ports, the community, and the many passionate supporters of the Seafarer's Centre who work in the port.

"It is the extraordinary effort of seafarers which connects the Pilbara to the world, contributing to Western Australian prosperity and security,” Mr McSkimming said.

"By changing the way we think about seafarer services at port, we are changing the way we support seafarers for generations to come."

While the drop in output which saw the Port of Port Hedland achieve a monthly throughput of 50Mt, of which 46.4Mt was iron ore exports, a 9% decrease of total throughput compared to March 2025, the numbers didn’t deter the Seafarer Centre celebration.

Imports through the Port of Port Hedland totalled 195,000 tonnes, an increase of 14% compared with March 2025.

A Pilbara Ports media release said the Port of Dampier delivered a total throughput of 13.4Mt, a 15% decrease from March 2025.

Imports through the Port of Dampier totalled 85,000 tonnes, a 9% decrease from March 2025.

“Several factors influenced the fluctuation of throughput, including changes in market conditions, weather conditions, port maintenance operations and customer needs.

“It should be noted that during this reporting period (March 2026), Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle severely impacted the western Pilbara and northern Gascoyne coast for over 24 hours, with its peak impact occurring on Friday, 27 March 2026.

“The system produced destructive, high-intensity winds up to 260km/h and significant flooding across the coastal communities before weakening.”