Port of Fremantle Faces More Disruptions Amidst New Strike and Severe Weather

23rd of August, 2024

The Port of Fremantle is bracing for disruptions as the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU) Western Australia announces a new 48-hour industrial action starting at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 25. This latest stoppage follows a similar 48-hour strike just last week, compounding operational challenges at one of Western Australia’s busiest ports.

The ongoing industrial action is driven by the AMOU’s demand for an 18% pay increase over three years to align Fremantle Port with pay rates at other regional WA ports. The strike involves pilot boat and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) officers. It is expected to exacerbate the anticipated delays due to adverse weather conditions forecasted by the Bureau of Meteorology. A gale warning has been issued for the Perth Local Waters, the Lancelin Coast, and the Perch Coast from August 22 to August 25.

Fremantle Ports is taking extensive measures to manage the impact of the weather and the strike. According to the port authority delays from the previous strike were managed effectively through meticulous planning. However, the dual challenges of the ongoing industrial action and severe weather are likely to stretch resources and planning to their limits.

In preparation for the adverse weather, Fremantle Ports has implemented several precautionary measures:

• Vessels at the Inner Anchorages (Gage Roads / ORAN / ORA) without a scheduled berth during the weather period are required to proceed to sea. All associated pilotage and towage charges will be billed to the vessels.
• Vessels at the Outer Anchorages are advised to heave anchor and depart for the duration of the adverse weather.
• Vessels alongside Outer Harbour Terminals will need to evacuate their berths as scheduled by Fremantle Ports’ schedulers. Charges for unberthing and berthing will also be the responsibility of the vessels. They will be allowed to return to their berths once weather conditions improve.
• Some vessels may be permitted to remain at berths in the Inner Harbour, depending on the direction of the forecast winds.

Fremantle Ports has been preparing for the adverse weather since Wednesday, August 21, and these conditions are expected to be lifted once the weather clears.

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