A colourful and meaningful addition is coming to the fleet of heavy haulage trucks seen throughout Port Hedland.

Bulk haulage and port management experts Qube will soon unveil a new prime mover decorated in artwork created to celebrate the company’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

The distinctive artwork depicting port locations and truck, rail and shipping routes, and whale migration patterns was created by Indigenous artist and Wiradjuri man, Darren Charlwood for Qube’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

The artwork, titled Yindyamarra, depicts the balance and interconnectedness that exists between people, the sea, and the country.

At a ceremony last year to unveil the artwork on Qube locomotives in Queensland, Darren said: “Because Qube has operations all over Australia, I thought it was important to show all of those connections from the ports dotted all around the coastline, to the inland rivers, and the roads and the rail networks that span the country.

“I also included Indigenous trade routes to show how enduring those connections are.

“The white motifs on the ocean symbolise movement, whether it be whales migrating or ships moving along the coastline, and the white lines around the coastline symbolise shipping channels.

“Along the Queensland coast, I have also used a more aqua shade to show the Great Barrier Reef and the red in the centre symbolises the desert.

“Everything exists in balance and is interconnected.”

Qube has already unveiled the design in Perth, with a prime mover carrying the artwork.

A Volvo FH 700 prime mover displaying the artwork is due to arrive in Port Hedland soon.

Separately, Qube is partnering with three clients to test drive technology and the suitability of electric prime movers.

Testing is underway in Whyalla, Port Hedland, and Bunbury.

The project forms a critical part of Qube’s decarbonisation plan, which includes introduction of EVs for light and trade vehicles, a review of biofuel, and switching sites to solar energy.

The company’s Picton depot, commissioned recently, is the first off-grid depot run by any operator in Australia with a 400kwh rooftop solar system installed.

The Picton solar system feeds an onsite 300kwh Battery Energy Storage System.