Woodside, Australian maritime unions collaborate on LNG vessel crewing

Woodside Energy has reached an agreement with three Australian maritime unions on the Australian crewing of an LNG vessel, it said on December 13. The agreement will support the employment of around 70 Australian resident seafarers on an LNG carrier within Woodside’s chartered fleet.

The company has partnered with the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union – Maritime Union of Australia Division, the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers, and the Australian Maritime Officers Union. The agreement spans the period from April 2024 to March 2029, with potential for further extension.

CEO Meg O’Neill said the agreement would support the security of supply that underpins Woodside’s reputation globally as a reliable supplier of LNG, while also providing employment opportunities for Australian-based seafarers.

“This agreement reflects our shared interest with unions in ensuring continued opportunities for employment across all aspects of the LNG industry, including shipping, and recognises the Australian Government’s interest in strengthening maritime supply chains,” she said.