New harbour master starts work at Melbourne

A NEW harbour master has been announced for Melbourne, with Andrew Hays taking over this key role. 

Mr Hays was previously the harbour master at the windswept port of Portland as well as being deputy harbour master at Melbourne and at Pilbara Ports in Western Australia. 

He takes over from Warwick Laing who was appointed back in May 2022 and is now working as head of maritime operations with the Port of Melbourne. 

Chief executive of Ports Victoria (a combination of the former Victorian Ports Corporation and the Victorian Regional Channels Authority) Craig Walker said Andrew Hays was “a standout contender” from a strong field of local and international applicants. 

“We’re delighted to welcome Andrew to the team,” Mr Walker said. 

“He has enjoyed a varied career across a range of ports that has led him to this opportunity.” 

Mr Hays also was the assistant harbour master in Darwin and had six years across several roles with the Royal Australian Navy. 

These included as warfare training officer with the Submarine Training and Systems Centre and as navigation officer on board the guided missile submarine HMAS Collins. 

“I look forward to Andrew building upon the work of previous Melbourne Harbour Masters and taking our operations to the next level,” Mr Walker said. 

Mr Hays officially began his new role on Monday 12 May. 

“I would like to thank Ports Victoria for offering me this tremendous opportunity,” Mr Hays said. 

“I am thrilled to be taking on this role and the opportunity it provides for myself and my family."