THE Western Australian government has awarded a $50 million dredging contract to Jan De Nul Australia to build Pilbara Ports’ new Zone 5 Bypass Channel at the Port of Port Hedland, marking a major step in strengthening the port’s long‑term navigational resilience.
The project, funded in the 2026–27 state budget, will create a dedicated bypass channel allowing vessels to safely navigate around a steep‑edged section of the 42‑kilometre shipping channel known as Zone 5. Some of the world’s largest bulk carriers transit the channel in tightly controlled tidal windows, often moving in convoy.
Pilbara Ports said the new bypass channel would complement existing passing lanes and refuge areas, reducing maritime risk and supporting safe, continuous operations at the world’s largest bulk export port.
The project has been developed in consultation with major port users and informed by navigational simulations, environmental studies and geotechnical investigations.
Dredging is expected to begin in September.
Ports minister Stephen Dawson said the contract award was an important milestone for the port and the state’s export supply chain.
“The Zone 5 Bypass Channel is an industry‑supported solution that will help ensure trade can continue, even in the unlikely event of an incident,” he said. “This initiative reinforces Western Australia’s reputation as a safe, reliable and efficient trading partner for global markets.”
Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said the investment would support the Pilbara’s continued growth and the safe operation of the port for years to come.
The bypass channel forms part of the Cook government’s Seven Cities vision, which includes long‑term planning for the Pilbara as a globally significant industrial and export region.
