BHP has announced that it would increase the direct shipping of supplies from Singapore to Port Hedland in a move that will open up new local business opportunities and improve regional road safety.
BHP has been testing direct shipping to Port Hedland since 2020, and will now ship 7.5% of the containerized supplies it receives into its Western Australian Iron Ore operations (WAIO) from all over the world straight to Port Hedland via Singapore.
Prior to that, BHP supplies for WAIO were brought to the Port of Fremantle and then transferred 1650 kilometers by road to Hedland.
According to BHP, the direct route will initially keep over 900 trailers off the Fremantle-Port Hedland route each year, improving safety for transport workers, road users, and regional communities.
“Pilbara businesses will be able to benefit from the direct shipping route, through BHP’s freight provider ANL,” the company said in a statement.
“BHP plans to make this direct route open and available to businesses interested in reducing their transport costs for building supplies and consumer goods.”
BHP’s WA Iron Ore General Manager of Port Operations, Cindy Dunham, said the move will also reduce the greenhouse gas emissions related to the transportation of the re-routed goods into the Pilbara by up to 75% per container.
“This initiative not only improves efficiency, it also improves safety and environmental outcomes, thereby benefiting the whole community,” Ms Dunham said.
“BHP would like to work with local businesses in Port Hedland to explore opportunities to optimise their own supply chains via this shipping route. We are committed to helping develop Port Hedland as a thriving, sustainable place to live.”
