IMPACT Interview

From Resource Hub to Energy Enabler: Pilbara Ports' Role in the Clean Transition

Onsite at Connecting Hydrogen APAC, Mr. Samuel McSkimming, Chief Executive Officer of Pilbara Ports Authority—the world’s largest bulk export port and a key enabler of the global steelmaking supply chain—shared a forward-looking perspective on how the Pilbara region is gearing up to support Australia's clean energy ambitions.

Executive Summary:

A Strategic Gateway for a Decarbonising World

Mr. Sam emphasised Pilbara Ports Authority’s pivotal role in the global energy transition. As a major export hub for iron ore, lithium, and other critical minerals, the Authority is now evolving to support the infrastructure needs of a decarbonised economy. Its transformation is key to enabling future trade in clean fuels and hydrogen carriers.

Building Infrastructure for Clean Energy Growth

Central to this transition are major infrastructure initiatives, including Lumsden Point—a new multi-user facility to support the export of battery minerals and the import of renewable energy components—and the Pilbara Clean Fuels Bunkering Hub Roadmap, which sets out a vision for alternative maritime fuels. These projects aim to decarbonise both the port’s operations and its role in global value chains.

Aligning with Australia’s Hydrogen Future

With Australia positioning itself as a key player in global hydrogen exports, Pilbara Ports is laying the groundwork for the export and bunkering of clean hydrogen and derivatives. Mr. Sam underlined the importance of aligning port infrastructure with future fuel demand from international shipping, positioning Pilbara as a catalyst for the region’s—and the world’s—net-zero supply chains.

Samuel McSkimming

Chief Executive Officer

Pilbara Ports Authority

“Steelmaking, if it were a country, would be the third-largest emitter of carbon globally—we want the Pilbara to be part of the solution, not just the supply chain.

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