Pilbara Ports Authority to splash cash on new Port Hedland seafarers centre

More than $2 million has been allocated through the Pilbara Ports Authority to help build a new seafarers centre in Port Hedland. The new centre will go up on the former Sealanes site on Richardson Street in Hedland. The present seafarers centre was built by volunteers in 1960. It is no longer fit for purpose as the increase in demand for services has grown and trade has increased at the Port. Transport and Ports Minister Rita Saffioti said it was important to have a top quality seafarers centre available. “Port Hedland is a seafaring town with thousands of ships visiting each year and the largest bulk port in the world,” she said. “Seafarers play an integral part in facilitating the trade of commodities from the Port of Port Hedland and can spend between six to 12 months at sea.” Last financial year before COVID-19, more than 3000 seafarers visited the centre each month. Ms Saffioti said seafarers were doing it tough and a new centre would provide support for them. “It’s a pretty tough job being at sea and seafarers have had it tough, in particular in this COVID-19 world where there is so much uncertainty,” she said. “Having a place where seafarers can actually have some basic services, I think will help. “While COVID-19 means shore leave isn’t available for seafarers at the moment, the Pilbara Ports Authority is still providing support including care packages and SIM cards.” This project is the first planned development for the new maritime precinct.