Pilbara Ports has awarded Jan De Nul Australia a contract to deliver the Zone 5 Bypass Channel at the Port Hedland Project, which will strengthen safety and resilience at one of the world's largest bulk export ports.

Port Hedland is part of the Cook Labor Government's Seven Cities vision, a long-term plan to unlock the next wave of Western Australia's economic development

The Cook Labor Government has welcomed the award of a dredging contract to Jan De Nul Australia for Pilbara Ports' new Zone 5 Bypass Channel at the Port of Port Hedland. The $50 million project, announced in this year's State Budget, will enhance the safety, efficiency, and resilience of the port, one of the world's largest bulk export hubs and a critical enabler of iron ore exports that underpin the national economy.

The strategic dredging project

This strategic dredging project will establish a bypass channel, enabling ships to safely navigate around a steeper-edged section of the port's 42‑kilometre shipping channel, known as Zone 5. Some of the world's largest ships transit the channel, operating within tightly constrained tidal windows and moving in convoy. The port's ability to manage maritime risk and maintain safe, continuous operations will be further enhanced by the bypass channel, which will complement existing passing lanes and refuge areas.

Detailed technical studies 

The project has been developed in close consultation with major port users and reflects an industry-supported investment, informed by detailed technical studies including navigational simulations and environmental and geotechnical investigations. Dredging is expected to start in September.

Related: Pilbara Ports updates on impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle

The contract marks an important milestone for Port Hedland,

 Ports and Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson stated: "This contract award marks an important milestone in strengthening the long-term resilience of Port Hedland. He added, "The Zone 5 Bypass Channel is an industry-supported solution that will help ensure trade can continue, even in the unlikely event of an incident. emphasized, "This initiative reinforces Western Australia's reputation as a safe, reliable, and efficient trading partner for global markets." 

This investment is an important step 

Meanwhile, Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel highlights that this investment is an important step forward for Port Hedland and the Pilbara region, helping to ensure that the port continues to operate safely and efficiently for years to come. He adds: 'It's great to see strong collaboration between the government, Pilbara Ports and industry in delivering infrastructure that supports the region's continued growth.'

About: Port Hedland 

Port Hedland is a coastal town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, approximately 1,600 km north of Perth. It is globally renowned as the world's largest bulk export port, primarily handling massive shipments of iron ore, along with lithium and salt.

About: Pilbara Ports

Pilbara Ports was established on 1 July 2014, as a result of the Ports Legislation Amendment Act 2014 consolidating seven of Western Australia’s eight port authorities into four new regional port authorities. The amalgamation of the former port authorities of Dampier and Port Hedland formed Pilbara Ports.

Pilbara Ports encompasses the: Port of Ashburton, Port of Dampier, Port of Port Hedland, Port of Varanus Island Pilbara Ports will also oversee the operation of the following greenfield ports: Anketell, Balla Balla, Cape Preston, East Cape UralaPreston East Pilbara Ports will also assume oversight of several Shipping and Pilotage Act 1967 (SPA) ports, including the ports of: Barrow Island, Cape Preston, Onslow, Port Walcott  

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 #Pilbara Ports #Port Hedland#The Cook Labor Government #Zone 5 Bypass Channel #Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel #Stephen Dawson #Jan De Nul Australia