WESTERN Australia’s Pilbara region is well-positioned to support the transition to clean energy in the maritime sector, a conference in Perth has heard.
Pilbara Ports chief executive Sam McSkimming told the 2025 Safe Ship Safe Ports Forum that “the Pilbara is the natural beachhead for global investment in maritime decarbonisation”.
“The green corridor between the Pilbara and East Asia has the port infrastructure and the risk management experience as well as the access to renewable energy that positions it as a global frontrunner for clean marine fuels,” Mr McSkimming told the conference.
“Whilst the delay of the IMO framework this week has been disappointing to many, it was not unexpected.
“It is also important to note and to remember that delay is not denied. Change is coming.”
He noted the first dual-fuelled ammonia bulk carrier was expected to call at Port Hedland next year.
“We must continue our work with owners, managers and class to make sure these vessels are safely supported by our port procedures,” Mr McSkimming said.
“In June this year, we launched our Pilbara fuel bunkering hub strategic roadmap to establish a clean fuel bunkering hub in the region and enable the use of clean fuels such as ammonia.”
Mr McSkimming also called for greater efforts to support seafarer welfare.
“It is my strong belief that it is no longer acceptable, if indeed it ever was, for a port to leave the wellbeing of visiting seafarers entirely up to their distant employer or to non-profits,” he said.
“Because for ports, the wellbeing of seafarers is not a matter of sympathy, it is a matter of business.
“Providing seafarers with greater services when they visit our ports, improving their physical and mental wellbeing and building a culture of respect and trust is simply good business.
“A happy seafarer is after all much more likely to be a safe seafarer.”
The Safe Ship Safe Ports Forum is being held at Optus Stadium in Perth.