The Fremantle Port Authority (FPA) was the first in Australia to undertake a comprehensive Quantitative Risk Analysis and Audit of its Safety Management System. Today, the FPA has adopted an approach which sees risk management as the natural way to do business, integrating it as a part of day-to-day management.

The port is a rapidly expanding, modern deepwater facility handling general cargo, including containers, break bulk, livestock and imported vehicles. Says Kerry Sanderson, the Authoritys CEO, Particular issues in Fremantle are the proximity of a busy working port to business and residential areas, the threat of urban encroachment and increased tourism to the area impacting on port operations, and the relative narrowness of the channel entry to the port. Consequently, we have set broad objectives to ensure the port operates with best practice and that management of the port environment, including hazards and risks related to port operations, reflects and meets recognised standards.

DNV has built a risk model which is used by FPA to manage the transport and movement of dangerous goods through the port, to manage change and to ensure that risk levels are acceptable. This model has been used extensively for land-planning issues close to the port. FPA has also implemented the International Safety Rating System (ISRS), and the risk model enables risks to be prioritised. After achieving a Level 5 in ISRS in 1997, FPA saw benefit in customising the protocol to suit its specific needs. The protocol is expected to be completed shortly, and is being extended to include environmental and quality aspects.

Explains Sanderson, Since achieving the ISRS Level 5, progress has now been made in the integration of Quality Improvement, Safety and Environmental Management. Essentially, our IMS, with its three components of safety, quality and the environment, is the means we use to continue to improve and compete effectively. As part of our safety and quality programmes, we are analysing major hazards and risks and their consequences. Its another step in our journey towards best practice to provide reliable, competitive and efficient port services that meet and are responsive to the needs of users.

Container traffic doubled
FPA has enjoyed strong financial and trade growth over recent years. Says Sanderson, Weve had very strong growth, in particular a doubling in container trade over the past eight years. Last year alone, the increase was 19.7 per cent, well above our target growth of 6.0 per cent. Our customers are showing us support, but we need to work ahead of the game. So in addition to our IMS activities, were planning for the future to ensure that the needs of shipping continue to be met. We are preparing a comprehensive 30 year Port Development Plan for Fremantle Port, with the inner harbour component nearing completion. Construction is well advanced on new infrastructure at the bulk cargo jetty. A new interstate rail service was also recently introduced for the transport of containers.

In other areas of port operations, we are introducing a new information system, and restructuring operational staff to achieve a more integrated approach.