The 2025 Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum opened in Perth yesterday with a record 700 attendees from across Australia and the world coming along to be part of the discussion.
The two day event, first established by Pilbara Ports in 2016, continues today with keynote presentations and Q&A sessions involving experts including representatives from Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Australasian Marine Pilots Institute, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Mission to Seafarers.
Key topics to be discussed at the forum include regulatory changes, training initiatives and sustainable shipping, future marine industry challenges and opportunities and advances in maritime safety.
A new Pilbara Ports operational study revealed at the forum confirms technical feasibility of ship-to-ship ammonia refuelling at designated anchorages within the Port of Port Hedland.
The findings confirm the port’s readiness to support low carbon ammonia fuelled vessels and position the Pilbara as a potential global leader in safe clean fuel bunkering.
The study is a key milestone in Pilbara Ports Clean Fuel Bunkering Strategy and supports planning for a ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering trial at the Port of Port Hedland in 2026.
Ports Minister Stephen Dawson says the event is an important highlight for industry and the Pilbara Ports team.
“The Pilbara is often referred to as the engine room of the Australian economy, with Pilbara Ports responsible for a staggering 775.7 million tonnes of throughput in the last financial year, worth an estimated $153 billion.
“Pilbara Ports Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum is an outstanding example of collaboration across industry to strengthen maritime safety and operational excellence.
“Confirming the feasibility of ship-to-ship ammonia refuelling at the Port of Port Hedland marks a major step towards establishing the Pilbara as a global hub for clean fuel bunkering and decarbonised shipping.”
The 2025 Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum is held from 21-22 October. Further information is available on the Pilbara Ports website.