KONGSBERG secures new 10 year contract for Vessel Traffic Service system in Port Hedland

Under the 10-year system-as-a-service agreement, KONGSBERG will also provide comprehensive maintenance and support for both the new Port of Port Hedland system and the existing VTS at the Port of Dampier.

“We are proud to have been selected once again by Pilbara Ports, extending our delivery of a world-class VTS system and 24/7 services to the Port of Port Hedland, building on the VTS system and managed service already being delivered to the Port of Dampier,” according to Lene Vesterlund, CEO of Kongsberg Norcontrol, KONGSBERG.

“We look forward to supporting safe and efficient port operations while further strengthening our partnership with Pilbara Ports.”

In the 2025–26 financial year, Pilbara Ports handled a record 804.1 million tonnes of imports and exports through the ports of Ashburton, Dampier, Port Hedland and Varanus Island.

Pilbara Ports comprises the ports of Ashburton, Dampier, Port Hedland and Varanus Island. It is responsible for managing the ports, including vessel traffic services, ship scheduling, berthing allocations for multi-user facilities and port communications.

Pilbara Ports in Western Australia is the world’s largest bulk export port authority, handling about 80 per cent of Australia’s iron ore exports.

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Pilbara Ports Chief Executive Officer Samuel McSkimming said Port Hedland’s high level of vessel activity created a need for a proven, robust VTS that can accurately track vessel movements across the service area and support efficient turnaround times.

“The system will give port operators advanced tools to monitor vessel movements across our area of responsibility, improving situational awareness and supporting safe and efficient operations. We were also seeking a long-term technology partner, and we have found that in KONGSBERG.”

Robert Dougherty

Author

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.

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