Pilbara Ports installs enhanced vessel tracking technology on tugboat fleet

Pilbara Ports has installed digital technology on tugs handling large dry bulk carriers in Port Hedland, Western Australia, to improve co-ordination and situational awareness when escorting, towing and manoeuvring ships into and out of the harbour.

Port Hedland is the world’s largest iron ore bulk export terminal by volume, with Capesize ships manoeuvring in a single shipping channel, making operational precision and safety paramount to maintaining uninterrupted trade flows.

Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure has deployed its SafeTug technology on 27 tugboats supporting these ships to provide real-time positioning that goes beyond traditional data from the automatic identification systems (AIS) for improved awareness during vessel movements.

The first large-scale adoption of SafeTug forms part of Pilbara Ports’ broader initiative to enhance marine operations and reduce the risk of accidents across the port.

“SafeTug provides the precise co-ordination capabilities needed in constrained waterways where multiple vessels operate simultaneously,” said Trelleborg managing director for navigation and piloting Tommy Mikkelsen.

“Port of Port Hedland’s operational environment, where continuous channel access is essential, demonstrates the technology’s application in high-stakes maritime operations.”