The Port of Port Hedland is the world's largest bulk export port by tonnage and sees more than 3,300 vessel visits per year. Managed by Pilbara Ports, the port has a team of marine pilots that have been training through a new in-house delivery model for marine pilot services to ensure that the port continues to operate smoothly and sustainably, keeping Australia's critical industries moving.
Ports Australia sat down with General Manager Marine Captain Philip Christy to learn more about this training program, its focus on safety and continued professional development, and attracting pilots to the Pilbara.
This port is incredibly important, not just to Western Australia, but to all of Australia. Shipping cannot stop here, it must continue. Its contribution to state and country is enormous, so it's our job to make sure that we keep it running safely and efficiently. And with what we're doing with the additional pilotage cohort, we've just improved that resilience overall.
