❓ Question addresses a near-miss incident involving the FMG Nicola in Port Hedland, querying potential shutdown risks and mitigation measures. The answer details the incident, preventative investments, and reporting procedures, highlighting successful avoidance of negative consequences.
AnsweredQoN 388Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to issues raised in the article 'Ship rescue in iron ore gateway', published on 9 July 2025 in The Australian , and I ask: (a) what occurred in relation to the FMG Nicola; (b) would a "hard grounding" in the shipping channel, if resolved unsuccessfully, "have the potential to shut down Port Hedland for months"; (c) what mitigation measures are in place to avoid the scenario canvassed in the article and in (b); (d) in relation to the section saying, "...who said the FMG Nicola emergency and other unreported incidents were cause for alarm", how are incidents reported and what is the criteria for reporting incidents; and (e) what is the status of the work identified in relation to reducing operational risk ("...talks with the port authority about channel works to reduce operational risk, and that the port authority is asking other users to boost the capability of their tug fleets")?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 September 2025
Responded by
Minister for Ports
Response time
9 days
(a-e) On 7 February 2025, the FMG Nicola lost propulsion and steering in the main shipping channel in the Port of Port Hedland. A coordinated response by crew, marine pilots and six tugs prevented grounding and ensured there were no injuries, no shipping delays and no environ ental harm. The vessel was stabilised, inspected and continued its journey under its o n power.
Significant investments have been made to mitigate the risk of a channel incident, including dredging, expansion of the tug fleet and updated guidelines and procedures for towage operations. These investments have reduced the overall risk of disruption at Port Hedland compared to other single-channel ports globally.
All marine incidents are investigated and reported to the appropriate authorities, including the Australian Safety Maritime Authority, the vessels Flag State/Classification Society and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
Significant investments have been made to mitigate the risk of a channel incident, including dredging, expansion of the tug fleet and updated guidelines and procedures for towage operations. These investments have reduced the overall risk of disruption at Port Hedland compared to other single-channel ports globally.
All marine incidents are investigated and reported to the appropriate authorities, including the Australian Safety Maritime Authority, the vessels Flag State/Classification Society and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
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