Fremantle Ports - Fremantle SailGP 2026 – Operational Update

We are writing to provide an update on the SailGP event taking place in Fremantle on 17–18 January 2026, as part of the opening round of the 2026 SailGP season. The event is expected to attract significant crowds and international attention. 

Fremantle Ports is supporting the event through the controlled use of port land and waters, while working to minimise impacts to shipping and cargo operations. We remain committed to maintaining safe and efficient operations and will continue to liaise with you over the coming months. Please refer to the attached PDF which outlines the indicative areas being discussed with SailGP.

Fremantle Ports Support & Site Use 

E Berth Land Area (Victoria Quay) - (this is an indicative area and is still being discussed with SailGP):

• Provided for use as a technical site from 3 January to 23 January.  

• This area will not be available for cargo laydown. 

South Mole Land Area:

• Allocated for the Waterfront Grandstand. Exact dates for site setup and dismantling are yet to be confirmed.  

Mooring Positions: 

• Moorings will be installed and remain in position along Victoria Quay during the indicative period of 11–20 January.  

• Please note that these moorings may be temporarily removed if required to facilitate safe navigation and turning of large commercial vessels.   

 Harbour Access & Operational Impacts 

 Harbour Access: 

• The entrance to the harbour will remain open throughout the event period. 

• On race rehearsal and race days (16, 17, and 18 January), no commercial shipping movements will be permitted during two daily 4-hour windows—one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. We will confirm times closer to the event dates. Rottnest Ferry operations will not be affected and can continue as normal through this window.   

• Outside of these windows, normal operations will continue, as outlined in the exclusion zones shown on the attached race area map which extend from South Mole heading south. 

• Racing will not take place in operational port waters. 

• While these are the only scheduled restrictions, minor operational impacts may occur during testing and race periods. Fremantle Ports will coordinate closely with customers to manage any changes. 

 Victoria Quay Berth: 

• In addition to an area of E berth laydown not being available the berth face from C - F will not be accessible.  In addition, there will be moorings placed in the water area from Berth C to F with an exclusion zone of 40 metres from the berth face.  There will also be 2 moorings to the East of the current J Berth Tug jetty that will have the same exclusion

• Fremantle Ports will work collaboratively with customers and port partners to minimise disruption through proactive scheduling and tailored mitigation strategies. 

H Berth Maintenance: 

• Fremantle Ports will take advantage of the scheduled SailGP operational window to conduct maintenance works at H Berth, avoiding the need for a separate disruption period. 

• These works are planned for 5–14 January. 

• Further updates on the H Berth closure will be provided closer to the time. 

 We appreciate your cooperation and will continue to provide updates while working closely with affected port users as planning progresses.

For any enquiries, please contact us at customer@fremantleports.com.au.