Regular direct freight services into the Pilbara are a step closer following new biosecurity certification at the Port of Port Hedland.
Pilbara Ports Authority now meets legislative biosecurity requirements for the Port of Port Hedland under the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act 2015. The approval relates to upgrades to the port's cargo inspection and fumigation processes, including a wash bay facility.
The certification gives importers certainty that a wider range of cargoes, including container cargo, can now enter Australia through the Port of Port Hedland.
Businesses in the Pilbara have traditionally relied on goods being trucked up from the Port of Fremantle or overland from Sydney, which incurs significant logistical cost and limitations to business opportunities.
Pilbara Ports Authority is currently working with Maersk to set up a fortnightly containerised cargo service from Asia to Port Hedland. Bridgestone Mining Solutions Australia (BMSA) is also investigating the new route, with plans to import a considerable number of oversize mining tyres each year directly from Japan into Port Hedland.
The Port of Dampier is also undergoing biosecurity upgrades and aims to encourage direct freight links and receive a wider variety of cargoes from 2020 once its facilities have received the relevant approvals.
As stated by Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The McGowan Government has been working on setting up direct freight services into the Pilbara since getting into office because we know it will reduce costs for industry and drive new investment opportunities in the region.
"This is also great news for local communities, as direct maritime freight brings business and job opportunities to the Pilbara.
"We are working closely with Maersk and Bridgestone to set up the first direct freight service to the Pilbara, which could pave the way for a whole range of goods to come directly to the region.
"Our focus is now on getting biosecurity certification for the Port of Dampier so industry and businesses across the entire Pilbara can benefit."
