JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Western Australian iron-ore producer Fortescue Metals would spend $200-million on developing tug facilities at Port Hedland, where it had secured a towage licence.
Announcing the award of a licence to become the port's second towage operator, CEO Nev Power said Fortescue subsidiary Pilbara Marine would construct marine and landside facilities for the development of a tug haven behind Anderson Point berths one to three.
The company aimed to start towage services in 2019.
“The introduction of choice and competition through the award of a second licence will benefit all users of the port, and will ensure Fortescue can provide long-term, sustainable towage services crucial to meeting the demands of our customers," Power said.
Iron-ore exports from Port Hedland topped 435-million tonnes in the last financial year.