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Posted by Allen Newton
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17 April, 2026
PILBARA Ports has issued significantly strengthened requirements for dual‑fuel and alternative‑fuel vessels calling at Port Hedland.
A notice from Pilbara Ports cites the port’s constrained channel, high‑throughput environment and the need for heightened machinery reliability and emergency preparedness.
Marine Safety Bulletin 03/26 replaces the 2023 notice and sets out a detailed pre‑arrival and operational framework for vessels fitted with LNG, ammonia or other alternative‑fuel systems.
The bulletin applies to all dual‑fuel vessels, as well as ships with alternative‑fuel systems that are operational, undergoing commissioning or intended for future use.
Under the updated requirements, operators must submit a comprehensive suite of technical documentation no less than 14 days before arrival, including fuel‑system descriptions, hazardous‑area drawings, redundancy arrangements, HAZID/HAZOP reports, fuel‑gas trial results, and crew competency matrices.
Pilbara Ports has also introduced a requirement for photographic evidence of bridge equipment, engine rooms, fuel‑storage areas and mooring stations — a measure not commonly seen at other Australian ports.
The bulletin reinforces that all vessels must complete changeover to conventional fuel before entering port limits, with operation on LNG, ammonia or other alternative fuels prohibited unless expressly approved by the harbour master. Auxiliary engines and boilers must also run on conventional fuel unless specific approval is granted.
Pilbara Ports emphasises machinery reliability, requiring vessels to demonstrate robust redundancy across propulsion, steering and electrical systems to ensure safe transit through Port Hedland’s narrow, tidally influenced channel.
The harbour master retains discretion to impose additional conditions based on vessel design, fuel type and identified operational risks.
Vessels must also carry a fuel‑specific Emergency Response Plan addressing loss of containment, fire or explosion, toxic exposure and fuel‑system failures, supported by appropriate detection, shutdown, isolation and PPE arrangements.
The bulletin notes that acceptance of documentation does not constitute approval or certification, and operators remain responsible for the vessel’s safe operation.
