From a field of 150 entries, judges have chosen the names for Geraldton’s three new tug boats.
Abrolhos, Wilu and North will arrive at the port next year.
Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the names reflected the Mid West’s strong connection to its Aboriginal heritage, the environment and the maritime sector.
She said Wilu was the Yamaji work for sea, seaside or saltwater, reflecting the critical role the Yamaji people played in the area.
“The second tug will be named Abrolhos after the island jewels of the Mid West,” she said.
“The Abrolhos Islands hold countless stories of shipwrecks, mutiny and maritime history, and play an ongoing role in the region’s aquaculture and tourism industries.”
Ms MacTiernan said the third tug would be named after former Geraldton Port harbourmaster Thomas “Martin” North.
“Mr North was a highly regarded harbourmaster, both locally and within the broader shipping industry, and made an enormous contribution to operations at the port,” she said.
“In addition, he established a pilot training program providing an alternate career pathway for marine pilots, and the Mid West Ports Authority is still the only Australian port to have such a program in place.”
Svitzer Australia general manager Jodie Ransom said judges chose the connecting theme of “people, place and sea”, acknowledging local indigenous culture, which represented the region and local maritime industry.
A naming ceremony to welcome the new vessels is being organised for when they arrive.
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