Pilbara Ports tightens salvage preparedness requirements at Port Hedland
Pilbara Ports introduced on 1 August new salvage preparedness requirements for vessels calling at Port Hedland in Western Australia.
Under the new requirements, ships of more than 120,000 dwt must have appropriate ship salvage preparedness arrangements in place before entering the port. The Harbour Master may request a copy of the vessel’s Ship Salvage Plan and other relevant preparedness arrangements on arrival.
Smaller vessels are also expected to maintain salvage preparedness measures proportionate to the risks they pose to the port and the surrounding environment.
The changes were outlined by Pilbara Ports in Marine Safety Bulletin 01/26, which introduced the Port Hedland Salvage Response Plan, and set out expectations for vessel preparedness, including the ability of ships to support salvage operations in port waters, integrate with the port’s emergency response framework and provide critical technical and operational information rapidly during the early stages of an incident.
Furthermore, Ship Salvage Plans are expected to complement the port-wide plan and provide the necessary framework for coordinating vessel-level response with port-led emergency arrangements.
Responsibility for the content, adequacy and implementation of a vessel’s Ship Salvage Plan and other salvage preparedness arrangements remains with the shipowner, operator and Master.
According to London P&I Club, Port Hedland does not currently require vessels to enter into emergency response contracts before arrival. However, contracts for salvage services, as well as other emergency services, equipment or facilities arranged for a vessel, may contain indemnity provisions that require review and approval by the relevant insurer.
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