The ports of Dampier and Port Hedland remain the largest bulk export ports in the world, with combined throughput of the two ports amounting to more than 300 million tonnes last financial year.
The two ports in the Pilbara region are the only Australian ports handling more than 140 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa).
Port of Dampier CEO Steve Lewis said “2008-09 was another outstanding year for the port recording total trade of 140.8Mtpa, up on last year’s record port tonnage of 133.5Mtpa.”
“Global trade is tough, but the Dampier Port has continued to work with its customers to ensure that we are responsive and actively working towards adapting our facilities and services to meet the new growth challenges going forward”, Mr Lewis said.
Port of Port Hedland CEO Andre Bush said “the Port Hedland Port has taken the lead again from Dampier Port, as Australia’s largest tonnage port and the world’s largest bulk export port with end-of-year total trade reaching a record 159.4Mtpa, an increase of 21.9% on last year”.
Mr Bush said “despite the current economic conditions, the strong growth in mining and construction led to exceptional performance in trade volumes through the Port of Port Hedland in 2008-09”.
“Iron ore continues to dominate port trade, with major milestones reached on a number of significant infrastructure projects.
Construction commenced in March 2009 on our common-user berth at Utah Point and this will accommodate the growing demands of current and emerging junior iron ore and other mineral producers.
The facility is due for completion by mid-2010 and will have a capacity of about 18Mtpa.
BHP Billiton has also commenced dredging of two new berths at Harriet Point as part of its Rapid Growth Project 5”.
Port Hedland Port’s trade by tonnage is 97% iron ore, with the balance comprising other bulk minerals, salt, petroleum products, general cargo, livestock and acid.
Dampier Port’s trade by tonnage is generally around 80% iron ore, 15% gas products – LNG, LPG and condensate, with salt, petroleum products, general cargo and anhydrous ammonia making up the balance.
