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Posted by Allen Newton
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2, July, 2025
AS DP World pursues a global strategy of end-to-end logistics integration, its plans to install ship-to-shore cranes at the Port of Fremantle are drawing flack from the Maritime Union of Australia’s WA branch.
The MUA (WA) has posted on its Facebook page about what it calls a “rogue” automation push at DP World Fremantle.
DP World has invested heavily in new ship-to-shore cranes, each worth around $15 million, as part of a broader $180 million national infrastructure upgrade.
These cranes are designed to handle ultra-large container vessels (10,000+ TEU), boosting productivity and efficiency.
While not explicitly labelled as “fully automated,” these cranes are highly automated and remotely operated.
A recent post from the MUA WA Branch suggests growing tension over job security and a lack of consultation with workers.
MUA veterans and international allies (like MUNZ in New Zealand) have pledged solidarity, indicating this could escalate into a broader industrial dispute.
DP World’s global strategy includes end-to-end logistics integration, and automation is a key part of that. Fremantle is one of several Australian terminals undergoing tech upgrades.
The company claims these changes will boost supply chain resilience and reduce vessel turnaround times.
The MUA post on Facebook accompanied by an image of a fist said “DP World declare war in Fremantle and announce automation of cranes.
“The MUA is geared for battle and this is a fight we won’t back away from!”
