Port Kembla project anchored in science

A world leading approach to the anchoring of ships in Port Kembla introduced by Port Authority of NSW is protecting up to 70% of the region’s unique rocky reef; which are deep water ecosystems that support a wide range of kelp, sponges, corals, other marine wildlife and fish stocks.

Port Authority of NSW CEO Philip Holliday said twelve months since the new approach was implemented, the results show the designated anchorages are being utilised by 100% of all ships requesting anchorage, which is a great win for industry, the environment and the region.

“This is a first for NSW based on ground-breaking research by scientists from the University of Wollongong and across NSW Government,” Mr Holliday said.

“I am delighted our project has been named a finalist in the 2023 Illawarra Business Awards Excellence in Sustainability category – it’s a great honor to be amongst the line-up in these prestigious Awards.

“As an Island continent, Australians are dependent on shipping for 99% of our goods and trade so improving shipping practices so they are safer and better for our marine environment is paramount to a sustainable future.

“Port Authority wanted an innovative science-based solution to end decades of informal anchoring off Port Kembla that was safer and protected marine ecosystems, so we sought the expertise of world-leading researchers Professor Andy Davis and Allison Broad from the University of Wollongong.

“Controlling anchoring locations, by establishing eleven designated anchorages, is not only providing safer anchoring but ensuring that seabed scouring is avoided in areas identified with highest conservation value, and promoting recovery outside of designated anchorages.

“It is an excellent example of how scientific data can inform decision making for good environmental outcomes without compromising freight and transport efficiency.”

University of Wollongong scientist Emeritus Professor Andy Davis, together with his colleague Ms Broad, has spent more than a decade studying the impacts of ship anchoring practices on marine environments.

“These temperate areas off Port Kembla are the Illawarra’s version of the Great Barrier Reef,” Professor Davis said.

“They are incredibly important but relatively unexplored as they lay in very deep water off our coast beyond diving limits but are biodiversity hotspots - home to an incredible range of invertebrates such as large sea sponges, sea fans and other relatives of corals, along with deepwater kelp.  

“Detailed sonar seabed and habitat mapping undertaken by NSW Government scientists uncovered a rich and varied seafloor with incredible topography which was key to identifying this area as rocky reef and an important starting point for studying the impacts shipping is having on these valuable areas.

“The opportunity to apply our research in NSW to the designated anchorage work being undertaken by Port Authority was incredibly rewarding.

“Port Authority has demonstrated that considering the impacts on the marine environment as a key element in the decision-making process in a maritime context does not impact the ability to provide safe anchoring solutions for ships in waiting, while taking into consideration the prevailing weather conditions at the time of anchoring.”

The project is attracting wide-spread attention, not just locally as a Finalist in the 2023 Illawarra Business Awards, but also across Australia and around the globe.

Port Authority CEO Philip Holliday said he is incredibly proud that Port Authority is collaborating and working hard as part of local, industry and scientific communities to achieve constructive outcomes that deliver real benefits to the people and regions we operate in.

“The project’s early positive results demonstrate that it is possible to achieve safer shipping, reduced environmental impacts on the seafloor and greater protection of key marine habitats, fish stocks and the other species that call these habitats home.”

The winners of the Illawarra Business Awards will be announced on 13 October 2023.  For more information about the Awards visit https://www.businessillawarra.com/

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