Australia - Port Hedland Salvage Preparedness Requirements

We would like to inform members and assureds proceeding to the port of Port Hedland of the publication of the Port Hedland Salvage Response Plan (“PHSRP”) and the requirement for appropriate ship salvage preparedness arrangements for vessels calling there.

Vessels calling at the port of Port of Hedland are required to have ship salvage preparedness arrangements in place commensurate with the risks posed by the vessel while operating within port waters.  As from 1 August 2026, vessels exceeding 120,000DWT must have ship salvage preparedness arrangements in place prior to arrival, as the Harbour Master may request a copy of a Ship Salvage Plan and other ship salvage preparedness arrangements in place for any vessel calling at the port of Port Hedland. A correspondent in Australia, Cocks Macnish, warns that bulk carriers without a salvage plan may be prevented from entering the port. 

The Ship Salvage Plan is to be developed in a manner that compliments the PHSRP, enabling effective interface between the ship and port arrangements in the event of a marine casualty requiring salvage or emergency intervention. A sample template prepared by Pilbara Ports is available here.

Members and assureds should review the Marine Safety Bulletin ("MSB") and PHSRP and ensure that appropriate salvage preparedness arrangements are in place prior to arrival to avoid being refused entry to port and subsequent delays. 

Whilst there is no mandatory requirement at Port Hedland for vessels to enter into emergency response contracts in advance, members and assureds are reminded that contracts for salvage services and other services, goods or facilities that are obtained or supplied to the vessel may contain indemnities which may be reviewed and “approved” by the club, similar to mandatory US and China vessel pollution response plans. For further assistance, members and assureds can reach out to their usual club contact.

Further information is available in the below links:

• Cocks Macnish’s letter on the MSB 01/2026

• Port of Port Hedland Marine Safety Bulletin 01/2026

• Port Hedland Salvage Response Plan and Ship Salvage Preparedness Requirements