Simulated vessel fire at Port of Newcastle

THE PORT of Newcastle went into high alert earlier this week as the Port Authority of NSW led a training exercise in dealing with a vessel fire.

The multi-agency training exercise, involved a simulated vessel fire and pollution incident within the Newcastle port precinct.

The annual exercise brought together key emergency response agencies and port operators, including Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW Environment Protection Authority, Port of Newcastle, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, and Port Waratah Coal Services, to reaffirm the region’s readiness to respond swiftly and effectively to maritime emergencies.  

A NSW Ports media release said the simulated incident, which involved real-time deployment of emergency crews, equipment, and containment strategies, underscores Port Authority’s proactive approach to risk management and its ongoing collaboration with emergency services. 

Port Authority of NSW Harbour Master for Newcastle and Yamba Captain Vikas Bangia said exercises like this are vital for ensuring emergency teams are prepared and coordinated for real maritime incidents.  

“By bringing together multiple agencies, we are strengthening our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to protect lives, safeguard the environment and keep trade moving,” Capt Bangia said.

“Maintaining a high level of preparedness is essential to ensuring we can respond to any incident with confidence, coordination and care.” 

Newcastle is one of Australia’s busiest and most strategically important ports, handling a diverse range of cargo and supporting thousands of jobs across the region. 

Across six ports, Port Authority operates 24/7, 365 days a year to manage the navigation, security and operational safety needs of commercial shipping in New South Wales.