Rogue switch behind Hedland narrow escape
A NEAR-grounding that could have blocked Port Hedland’s main shipping channel was caused by a faulty main engine switch on a Fortescue capesize bulker, the ATSB has found. In its...
Pilbara Industrial unrest spreads from LNG to iron ore
AUSTRALIA’S export engine room is facing simultaneous industrial disputes, with strikes at Inpex’s Ichthys LNG project continuing after a Fair Work Commission ruling, and BHP...
China says ‘Bravo’ for apples
THE WEST Australian state government is heralding the first export of locally produced Bravo apples to China. In a media release it said the initial 80 tonne consignment is set to...
Rio Tinto offloads two Newcastlemax bulkers in rare fleet reshuffle
RIO TINTO has quietly sold two of its 'owned' Newcastlemax bulk carriers, marking a rare adjustment to the mining giant’s tightly held marine fleet and prompting speculation about...
Strike action likely to hit Port Hedland
WORKERS at BHP’s Port Hedland operations have voted overwhelmingly to take strike action, setting the scene for disruption at Australia’s most important bulk export gateway. Media...
Koolan Island purchase set to create northern logistics base
KOOLAN Island off the Kimberley coast of WA is set to become a logistics hub catering for offshore industry following the purchase of MGX Resources iron ore operation by...
Northam transport and logistics hub delayed
A NEW transport and logistics hub at Northam, around 100 kilometres east of Perth, scheduled for a December completion, has been delayed until November 2027. Director corporate...
Austal launches first patrol boat for Australian Border Force
AUSTAL Ships has launched the first of six Evolved Cape–class Patrol Boats (ECCPB) for the Australian Border Force (ABF). In early May, Austal’s original contract to build four of...
Unions escalate industrial action at Ichthys, Inpex seeks intervention
UNIONS are escalating industrial action across Inpex’s Ichthys LNG project — which spans offshore facilities in Western Australia’s Browse Basin and onshore processing operations...
Industrial threat at Port Hedland could cost millions
INDUSTRIAL action by the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) at BHP’s iron‑ore export operations at Port Hedland could cost millions of dollars per day. The ETU has confirmed its...
First steel cut for Mardie Spirit transhipper
THE FIRST steel has been cut for CSL Ships’s MV Mardie Spirit transhipper which will move salt and potash from BCI Minerals' Mardie Salt and Potash Project, to offshore vessels in...
Second WA airport upgrade to boost freight
ALBANY Airport in Western Australia’s south is to get a major upgrade, allowing it to handle new freight opportunities. The news of the project follows the recent state and...
Geraldton breakwater contract to reduce surge closures
A CONTRACT for a surge protection breakwater at Geraldton in Western Australia, expected to reduce the 30 days a year being lost to the port, has been awarded to MGN Civil. Part...
Port Hedland to China, BHP tests tallow for fuel
AUSTRALIAN renewable fuels developer, HAMR Energy has successfully held a trial with BHP to use animal waste as a biofuel. The project with the the Global Centre for Maritime...
Storm damage hits Fremantle Harbour but operations unaffected
FREMANTLE’S North Mole has been closed after sustaining significant storm damage during the weekend’s severe weather, but Fremantle Ports says commercial shipping and cargo...
