- Pilbara Ports delivering a new fit-for-purpose Seafarers Centre in Port Hedland
- Contract for construction of the Seafarers Centre awarded to Benchmark Construction and Building
- The $21 million centre to support seafarers visiting the Port of Port Hedland
A new Seafarers Centre at the Port of Port Hedland has reached a significant milestone, with a sod turning event taking place today, signalling the beginning of construction.
Benchmark Construction and Building has been awarded a contract to construct the new centre, supporting local jobs and the Pilbara economy throughout the build.
The new facility will be a welcoming space for seafarers visiting Port Hedland, and will include areas for rest, connection, recreation and access to vital support services.
It will feature a communal lounge equipped with games and kitchen facilities, quiet areas, a library, meditation and prayer rooms and a shared chapel. Additionally, it will provide access to WI-FI internet, SIM cards, and proximity to local shops and amenities.
The centre will also feature public spaces and it will be a gathering place for visiting tourists, as popular harbour tours will be facilitated by the centre, and public terraces will provide a great opportunity for ship-spotting or relaxing in Marapikurrinya Park.
Seafarers are essential to keeping Western Australia's supply chains moving, with the Port of Port Hedland delivering 43 per cent of the world's iron ore exports in the 2024-25 financial year.
Each year, approximately 150,000 seafarers visit the Pilbara region, contributing significantly to Australia's export revenue and supporting jobs in Western Australia's resources sector. Many seafarers are away from home and family for long periods, and being able to access shore leave is a vital part of ensuring their physical and mental wellbeing.
The project design development was informed by stakeholder feedback to ensure the centre meets the practical needs of seafarers while also responding to the local environment, community and operational requirements.
The $21 million new centre will be funded by Pilbara Ports, with costs recouped over time from iron ore customers: BHP, Fortescue, Hancock Iron Ore, and Mineral Resources. All port users in Port Hedland are strongly committed to ensuring that the port provides world-leading support for seafarers.
As stated by Ports Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Today marks a major milestone in the delivery of the long-awaited new Seafarers Centre at the Port of Port Hedland.
"This project has been carefully designed to ensure the centre is practical, fit-for-purpose and responsive to the needs of seafarers visiting Port Hedland.
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to ensuring the people who crew vessels calling at the Port of Port Hedland are supported during their time on shore.
"By providing home comforts at this new facility, we are supporting the welfare of thousands of seafarers who visit the port each year and play a role in the prosperity of our State."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"It's great to see the Seafarers Centre progressing forward with construction marking a major milestone in the Seafarer's Centre development.
"Initiatives such as these significantly enhance the Port Hedland community and contribute positively to the wellbeing of seafarers visiting our ports each year."
As stated by Pilbara Ports CEO Samuel McSkimming:
"Commencing construction on this project is a pivotal moment for Pilbara Ports, our community, and the many passionate supporters of the Seafarer's Centre who work in the port.
"It is the extraordinary effort of seafarers which connects the Pilbara to the world, contributing to Western Australian prosperity and security.
"By changing the way we think about seafarer services at port, we are changing the way we support seafarers for generations to come.
"I am proud to see Pilbara Ports leading this initiative."
