PORT of Brisbane pilotage services have been locked in for the next 10 years, with Poseidon Sea Pilots to provide expert guidance to large vessels within port waters.
Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Angus Mitchell said the contract would ensure expert navigational assistance continued to be provided by experienced mariners at the state’s largest port.
“Poseidon Sea Pilots is a part of the Brisbane-based Australian Maritime Systems Group (AMSG), which has more than 20 years of service delivery and experience in the maritime and defence industry sectors,” Mr Mitchell said.
“More than 9600 trading vessels visited our state’s ports during 2019 with 2500 destined for the Port of Brisbane. Last year, despite the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, there were 8500 vessel visits to Queensland with 2100 into Brisbane.
“Ensuring safe and efficient navigation underpins Queensland’s ability to maintain this crucial movement of trade.
“In nearly all Australian ports, the use of a pilot is mandatory for large vessels and generally compulsory for ships 50 metres or more entering Queensland ports to carry a licensed marine pilot.”
Poseidon Sea Pilots chairman John Sugarman said his company was looking forward to delivering under the contract.
“The opportunity to continue working with MSQ is greatly appreciated, and the skills and experience we also currently use to support other, federal government agencies for maritime safety will equally apply for delivering the pilotage service for the Port of Brisbane,” Mr Sugarman said.
Mr Mitchell said Poseidon Sea Pilots would start delivering port pilotage services from 1 January 2022.
“While this is important, I acknowledge the service provided by Brisbane Marine Pilots Pty Ltd for the previous 30 years,” he said.
