Pilbara Ports Authority (formerly Port Hedland Port Authority) - Notification - N96171

The Port Hedland Port Authority lodged a notification which broadly has the effect of requiring all vessels entering and leaving the port (other than very small and manoeuvrable craft) to use the harbour towage services of BHP Billiton Minerals Pty Ltd.

The ACCC commenced public consultation on this notification on 5 October 2012 and issued a statement of reasons on 19 December 2013.

Following the Port Hedland Port Authority's public commitment to conduct a transparent and timely process to seek a second provider of towage services at the Port of Port Hedland, the ACCC has decided to take no further action at this time.

The PHPA has committed to keep the ACCC informed as to the progress of the various steps in this process. Subject to any claims for confidentiality, the ACCC will publish these updates on this public register.

The ACCC encourages any affected parties to contact the ACCC should they have any concerns regarding the process conducted by the PHPA, by sending an email to adjudication@accc.gov.au.