Birchmore new chairman for Fremantle Port

Planning and Infrastructure minister Alannah MacTiernan has announced the appointment of Alan Birchmore as the new chairman of the board of the Fremantle Port Authority.

Ms MacTiernan said Mr Birchmore, former chairman of the Albany Port Authority, would bring a wealth of knowledge to the role when he commences this month.

"Alan's experience in running major infrastructure projects both in Western Australia and abroad will bring a fresh skills set to the port," she said.

"Under Alan's guidance, throughput trebled at Albany Port and in 2006, the port was awarded the Lloyds Port of the Year."

Mr Birchmore has occupied senior management and board appointments in Australia, the UK, Europe and the US through a range of financial, industrial and mining operations.

The minister thanked outgoing chairman Joe McKay for more than 12 years of service to one of Australia's best performing ports.

"Joe has been a key to the development and growth of Fremantle Port, serving for seven years as deputy chairman and more recently three and half years as chairman," she said.

"He passes on a professional, highly regarded operation to his successor."