Second tug fleet operator selected for Port Hedland

Transport Minister Dean Nalder has announced Fortescue Metals Group subsidiary Pilbara Marine as the successful respondent to provide a second tug service at the Port of Port Hedland, under a non-exclusive licence for towage services, the Port Authority said in a press release.

Pilbara Marine will lease Crown land within the port to construct marine and landside facilities for the development of a tug haven behind Anderson Point berths 1 to 3.

Mr Nalder said the new licence would create jobs in the Pilbara and provided benefits to port customers.

"There will be job opportunities during construction of the new tug haven, as well as further employment with the operation and maintenance of extra tug infrastructure," he said.

"Port customers will benefit from increased options in tug services and the availability of services to meet future demand.

"Port Hedland is the world's biggest bulk export port.  In 2014-15, more than 446 million tonnes of bulk cargo were shipped through the port."

Pilbara Marine is expected to begin operations in the 2018-19 financial year with an initial fleet of nine tugs.

BHP Billiton (Towage Services) Pty Ltd currently has a non-exclusive licence for towage services at the Port of Port Hedland and operates 18 tugs.