TENDERS have been called for the construction of a new Port Hedland Seafarers Centre.
Plans for the development were announced by state ports minister David Michael in April last year and work will be carried out under the auspices of Pilbara Ports.
The tender calls for the construction of a modern, fit-for-purpose facility, allowing for the current and future growth of seafarer welfare services located at 3 Richardson Street, Port Hedland.
A LinkedIn post on the Port of Port Hedland page said the centre was designed with the well-being of seafarers in mind. The modern facility will provide a comfortable and supportive environment for seafarers including a function area and catering services.
“The $13.5 million project will enhance connections between seafarers and our local Hedland community,” the post said..
Tender submissions close at 4pm, Friday 11 April on Tenders WA.
In the original announcement by Mr Michael he said the new fit-for-purpose Seafarers Centre would cater for the tens of thousands of seafarers who bring ships into the town’s port each year.
The $13.5 million cost of the new centre was initially funded as part of the 2024-25 state budget, with those costs to be recovered from industry via a shipping charge, with agreed contributions from port users BHP, Fortescue, Roy Hill, Mineral Resources Limited and Atlas Iron.
The state has already contributed more than $2 million, through Pilbara Ports, for the purchase of land for the new facility.
Pilbara Ports will oversee the project’s development and, following the lease of the new facility to the Mission for Seafarers, will ensure it is adequately maintained.
The seafarers who visit the Pilbara each year deliver tens of billions of dollars in export revenue for Australia, generating billions in royalties for the state.
The existing Seafarers Centre was built more than 50 years ago and is no longer suitable.
The new Seafarers Centre will include accommodation, recreational spaces, dining facilities and a small chapel to support seafarers on shore leave.
Mr Michael said seafarers play an important role in facilitating the trade of iron ore and other commodities from the Port of Port Hedland and typically spend between six to 12 months at sea at a time.
“By providing some of the comforts of home at this new facility, we are supporting the welfare of thousands of seafarers who visit the port each year.”
Mr Michael welcomed the industry contribution from BHP, Fortescue, Roy Hill, Mineral Resources and Atlas that is helping to make the project possible.
Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said the original facility was built by volunteers in the 1960s and had done a fantastic job of supporting the hundreds of thousands of seafarers who visit Port Hedland.
