13 January 1997

Fremantle Port Authority found itself the focus of world media attention when around 5,000 people, including the Federal Minister for Defence, the Chief of the First Defence Force and the WA Premier, were on site to welcome the "HMAS Adelaide" and the rescued yachtsmen Tony Bullimore and Thierry Dubois, back on dry land after an ordeal in the Southern Ocean.

25 February 1997

The new "Oriana", launched 1995 made its maiden visit to Fremantle on 25 February 1997. The new passenger ship, 260 metres long and carrying approximately 2000 passengers and 760 crew, is one of the largest cruise liners ever to visit Australian waters.

3 September 1997

Fremantle Port Authority signed a facilities agreement on 3 September 1997 with Murrin Murrin Operations Pty Ltd, which is owned by Anaconda Nickel Ltd.

New facilities planned for Fremantle Port Authority's Bulk Cargo Jetty at Kwinana will be used for the importation of sulphur needed for the Murrin Murrin nickel-cobalt project near Leonora in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields.

21 November, 1997

An additional portainer crane for the container handling area on North Quay in Fremantle's Inner Harbour arrived by sea.

The giant crane was 58 metres high and weighed 870 tonnes. It will be installed at Berth 7 and operated by Patrick Stevedores.

26 November, 1997

Fremantle Port Authority won the 1997 Premier's Award for Quality Improvement.

The Premier's Awards for Public Sector Management were established in 1996 to formally recognise and reward the achievement of excellence within the public sector in its relationships with the Western Australian community.