The state government says the shipping capacity of Port Hedland could increase by 16 per cent to 577 million tonnes, opening up the possibility of further growth in iron ore exports through the existing harbour.
The Fair Work Commission last night issued an order to the Australian Institute of Marine & Power Engineers to end a planned strike by Teekay Shipping's engineers this morning in Port Hedland.
Tugboat operator Teekay Shipping and the world's fourth largest iron ore miner Fortescue Metals Group have condemned the decision of 56 tugboat workers to bring Port Hedland to a halt for four hours next Wednesday .
Western Australia is feeling the effects of recent changes to workplace relations law, with 457 visa restrictions causing skills shortages in niche markets and a high level of industrial activity.
FEATURE: Industrial uncertainty and an urgent need for more infrastructure are putting the squeeze on iron ore exports through Port Hedland, while productivity increases and transshipment options are also being mulled over statewide.
An intended strike by tugboat engineers at Port Hedland, which had threatened to stop exports of iron ore worth $100 million a day, has been called off because of a technicality.
BHP Billiton Iron Ore president Jimmy Wilson says the mining giant is likely to request government intervention to prevent a "devastating" proposed strike at Port Hedland which could cost miners up to $100 million a day.
