The Ampol terminal at Kurnell, known as Captain Cook’s landing site in 1770, presents challenges for seafarers arriving on oil tankers. Located far from Sydney’s attractions, many crews find shore leave impractical due to the distance and high taxi costs, often opting to remain aboard.
To address this, marine pilot Michael Kelly initiated a program providing Opal travel cards at the terminal. These cards allow crews to access public transport into the city or nearby shopping areas. The security team at Ampol manages the cards, which are distributed as crews depart. Kelly emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that many seafarers only carry US dollars, which are not accepted on local transport.
Since its launch in 2022, hundreds of crew members have enjoyed the opportunity to explore Sydney, enhancing their mental well-being and fulfilling maritime obligations to seafarers. Donations from Port Authority pilots have further supported this initiative, ensuring continued access to these vital resources for the maritime community.
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