Much of Western Australia’s economic future hangs on the ability of its ports to export the minerals and agricultural products it produces. DCN looks at the evolution that is enabling those ports to grow and prosper.
WESTERN Australia’s ports play a vital role in the state’s economy, but in 2026 they have had more to contend with than Cyclone Narelle which came howling down the coastline in March.
Some of the forces reshaping the system are structural — the rise of clean‑energy exports, the shift in global commodity markets and the long‑term transition from Fremantle to Westport. Others are immediate and tactical: bumper grain harvests, rail‑freight upgrades and a high‑stakes legal dispute over port charging that could influence how multi‑user channels are priced for years to come.
The state is investing heavily in port and rail infrastructure, miners are recalibrating their export strategies and the government is positioning WA as a clean‑energy export powerhouse.
One of the most significant developments affecting WA ports is the legal dispute between Mineral Resources (MinRes) and Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) over $17 million in channel charges at the Port of Ashburton.
A recent Supreme Court ruling ordered PPA to hand over internal documents relating to how the charges were calculated. MinRes argues that PPA improperly included costs associated with Chevron’s Wheatstone infrastructure when determining the fees.
The outcome of the dispute is likely to impact how multi‑user ports allocate costs in shared channels.
The case raises questions about transparency in port charging, cost‑allocation methodologies, the treatment of private vs public infrastructure and governance of multi‑user channels.
For exporters, the outcome could influence future investment decisions. For port authorities, it could shape how charging frameworks are designed and defended.
One of the moves Pilbara Ports is making to reduce risk is a series of major initiatives to from vessels losing steering and blocking the port channel.
A PPA statement said that to ensure safe and efficient vessel movements, Pilbara Ports is committed to continuous improvement and the adoption of the latest technology and industry standards.
Over the past 18 months, the Pilbara Ports Marine team have delivered on the initiatives to prevent a situation that could halt exports and cost the industry millions per day.
“From April to August 2024, Pilbara Ports undertook a comprehensive review of our towage escort strategy, the most significant in recent years. This involved five days of advanced simulations with seven marine pilots, over 200 practice runs and rigorous testing of emergency scenarios, including steering gear failures,” the statement said.
“The result was a complete redesign of towage configurations for outbound capesize vessels, including changes to the number and positioning of tugs. This new strategy, finalised in August 2024, has materially reduced the risk of channel blockage due to steering failures, one of the most critical risks for the port and the iron ore supply chain.
“To further strengthen risk controls, we introduced a maximum outbound speed of 8.4 knots and a maximum cross-track deviation (XTD) of 20 metres from the channel centreline. Following further analysis, the outbound speed was reduced again in April 2025 to 7.9 knots, maintaining safety gains without impacting shipping schedules. These controls have significantly reduced the risk of vessels approaching the channel edge, where depths are lower and the risk of blockage is higher.”
In addition, from 1 May 2026 PPA introduced a ship vessel vetting form and Port Hedland pre-berthing checklist, responding to long-standing requests from industry to bring uniformity and clarity across all berths at the Port of Port Hedland and provide clear expectations for stakeholders while strengthening vessel quality assurance.
“This is a meaningful step towards a safer and more efficient port operations.
“By combining simulation, on-water trials, new operating rules and advanced technology, Port Hedland has not only reduced one of the port’s most critical risks but also delivered measurable benefits to industry. These initiatives set a new global benchmark in channel management, demonstrating how safety and efficiency can be advanced together for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
Few port projects in Australia carry the strategic weight of Lumsden Point, the new multi‑user facility at Port Hedland designed to support battery minerals, renewable‑energy components and general cargo. It is the centrepiece of WA’s ambition to diversify Pilbara trade beyond iron ore and to position the region as a global clean‑energy hub.
The project reached a major milestone with the completion of the Great Northern Highway Lumsden Interchange, a $70 million road‑freight upgrade that creates a seamless connection between the highway and the new port precinct. The interchange includes two flyovers, four ramps, turning pockets for oversize vehicles and an underpass designed to keep heavy‑haul traffic flowing without conflict points.
Lumsden Point is also a test case for how the Pilbara will manage the next generation of exports. Unlike the dedicated iron‑ore berths operated by the majors, Lumsden is designed for shared access, with multiple exporters using common facilities requiring a different approach to berth allocation, channel access, cost recovery and operational coordination.
The new interchange is part of that system. It is designed to handle oversize and over‑mass loads — essential for renewable energy components — and to reduce congestion on the existing port access roads.
Mid West Ports is progressing a $350 million upgrade of the Port of Geraldton aimed at improving how the existing port operates as trade volumes grow.
Rather than expanding the Port, the four-year Geraldton Port Maximisation Project (PMaxP) focuses on upgrading current infrastructure to improve reliability, efficiency and capacity for both existing and new commodities.
PMaxP is about making the most of what we already have — modernising our infrastructure so the Port of Geraldton can continue to handle growing trade volumes safely and efficiently
Damian Tully, CEO Mid West Ports
The Port of Geraldton already plays a critical role in exporting grain, iron ore and other commodities and demand is expected to increase over the next decade. PMaxP is designed to ensure the port can keep pace.
Mid West Ports CEO Damian Tully said the project represents a practical and forward looking investment in the region’s economic future.
The Geraldton Port Maximisation Project is focusing on upgrading key infrastructure around the port. Image: Shutterstock
“PMaxP is about making the most of what we already have — modernising our infrastructure so the Port of Geraldton can continue to handle growing trade volumes safely and efficiently,” Mr Tully said.
“We’re seeing consistent growth in trade across grain, iron ore and mineral exports. PMaxP ensures we are ready to support that growth while also creating opportunities for new industries to emerge in the Mid West.”
Key upgrades include improvements to berth infrastructure, a new truck unloader to streamline bulk handling and supporting works to improve landside logistics and port efficiency. The project is aligned with the Geraldton Port Master Plan and focuses on maximising the current harbour footprint.
A strong focus is on supply chain performance, particularly for Western Australia’s grain industry. More efficient infrastructure will reduce bottlenecks and improve turnaround times for exporters and farmers, while also opening the door for new commodities to move through the port.
The project is also expected to support broader economic outcomes in the region, including local jobs and increased business activity during construction and beyond.
Importantly, PMaxP has been designed to deliver these benefits without expanding the port’s footprint, instead concentrating on smarter use of existing assets and targeted upgrades where they will have the most impact.
As works continue, PMaxP is set to play a key role in keeping Geraldton competitive — not just as a regional port, but as an increasingly important link in WA’s export supply chain.
This article appeared in the April | May 2026 edition of DCN Magazine