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Posted by Allen Newton
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08 Sep, 2026
A TRIAL by Pilbara Ports to provide seafarer transport to provide shore leave has been welcomed by the Mission to Seafarers who say the trial will offer valuable lessons for other ports.
Pilbara Ports has introduced the six-month trial from September 2026 to facilitate the transfer of eligible seafarers between vessels anchored within the Port Hedland Inner Anchorages and the Commercial Jetty. The trial is intended to improve access to shore leave for seafarers’ onboard vessels at the Inner Anchorages while maintaining the safety, security and efficiency of port operations.
MtS regional director Australia and Papua New Guinea, Sue Dight, said she welcomed every opportunity for seafarers to have shore leave.
“This exciting trial gives those at anchorage the opportunity for a day’s respite from work; including masters and senior officers who rarely get the chance during their visits to the Pilbara,” Ms Dight said.
“A successful trial will provide all ports not only a how to guide but will give comprehensive data on the value of shore leave from all of those who are able to partake.”
Ms Dight said every port should consider how seafarer wellness and fatigue management contributes to their safety plans.
“A taxi to the shopping centre is a start, but an opportunity to relax in a safe space with a friendly face is much better.”
Seafarers taking advantage of the trial will be picked up from the launch by the team from Mission to Seafarers Port Hedland and given a welcome that Ms Dight said everyone needs after a journey.
“Pilbara Ports’ partnership with the Mission to Seafarers is a shining light for everyone who believes that seafarer welfare is a shared responsibility and that ports can play a meaningful role in supporting the people who keep global trade moving.”
A notice from Pilbara Ports on Monday said it recognises the importance of seafarer welfare and access to shore leave, particularly for crews serving onboard vessels that may remain at anchor for extended periods.
To support crew welfare, Pilbara Ports will oversee the trial, with transfer services operated by Odyssey Marine for the service which will operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The notice said the service was subject to capacity, operational, weather, immigration and safety requirements.
The trial will initially be limited to a maximum of five vessels per transfer day and five seafarers from each vessel.
“These limits may be reviewed after the trial based on demand, operational experience and safety performance,” the notice said.
The overall arrangement will be reassessed at the end of the six-month trial before any ongoing service is determined.
The port will accept expressions of interest from vessels anchored within a designated Port Hedland Inner Anchorage and has been at anchor for at least 24 hours and the vessel must not have a scheduled Pilot on Board (POB) time within the following 24 hours.
Transfers will be conducted during daylight hours with transfer times and vessel allocations advised by Odyssey Marine.
