Tugboat engineers at Australia’s Port Hedland, the world’s largest bulk export terminal, are set to strike next week. Australian Institute of Marine & Power Engineers (AIMPE) gave notice that workers will stop for four hours on 12 November. The action will be taken by members employed as marine engineers by Teekay Shipping (Australia) Pty, which is contracted by BHP Billiton to run the tugs at the port. Port Hedland facility shipped out 37.5mt of the steel making ingredient in October.
Port Hedland represented 55% of Australia’s iron ore exports last year.
Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) has condemned the strike action saying it damages Australia’s reputation as a place to do business.
Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) said “We are monitoring the situation and will take all possible steps to prevent industrial action impacting our business, our people, our customers and the economy.”
