Woodside strikes seafarers deal with unions

Woodside Energy has struck a five-year deal with three maritime unions for Australian crew to staff its liquefied natural gas vessel, building on a long-term relationship.

The Meg O'Neill-steered oil and gas major reached the agreement with the Forestry and Maritime Employees Union – Maritime Union of Australia Division; the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers; and the Australian Maritime Officers Union.

The five-year deal extends on a relationship dating back to the start of LNG exports from the North West Shelf project in the 1980s, and aims to preserve the roles of Australian seafarers in the maritime industry delivering to customers across Asia.

Under the deal, about 70 mariners contracted by Melbourne-based ASP Ship Management will be supported to carry out work on an LNG carrier within Woodside’s chartered fleet.

The maritime unions are also expected to cooperate with Woodside and its contractors in maintaining maritime operations at its North West Shelf project and Pluto LNG project.

Ms O'Neill said the agreement would support the security of supply while also providing employment opportunities for Australian-based seafarers.

“This agreement reflects our shared interest with unions in ensuring continued opportunities for employment across all aspects of the LNG industry, including shipping, and recognises the Australian government’s interest in strengthening maritime supply chains,” she said.

The National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia Paddy Crumlin said LNG shipping had provided many Australian seafarers with rewarding and fulfilling employment, working in the national economic and strategic interest of all Australians, for many decades.

“The skills and employment base that the LNG trade provides our industry cannot be understated, and we look forward to building on this and offering more Australian workers the chance to pursue a life at sea,” he said.

The Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers Federal President Martin Byrne also welcomed the agreement and said the parties had also agreed to hold further discussions around exploring the expansion of the deal across future marine operations.

“This is an agreement which lays the foundation for long-term future cooperation in the offshore maritime sector,” he said.

The Australian Maritime Officers Union Executive Officer Mark Davis said the continuity of employment for highly skilled officers would benefit all parties.