The Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) has concluded the fiscal year impressively, attaining record throughput for the fourth consecutive year.
The result reflects a 3 per cent rise over the previous fiscal year, with 752.4 million tonnes (Mt) of throughput recorded in 2022-23, valued at an estimated AU$164 billion ($110.3 billion).
This outcome comes despite the fact that many of Pilbara Ports’ clients are facing manufacturing constraints, such as a tight labour market and rising raw material costs.
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Pilbara Ports CEO, Samuel McSkimming said progressing infrastructure projects at the operational ports of Port Hedland, Dampier and Ashburton, would enable an increase and diversification of trade.
McSkimming stated: “Our priority as an organisation is to support the ambitions of our customers. To facilitate demand, we’re embarking on several projects, including building new multi-user wharfs at Port Hedland and Dampier.
“Lumsden Point in Port Hedland will enable the export of battery metals, an integral part of the global push to net-zero emissions. It will also facilitate the import of renewable energy infrastructure, including wind turbines and blades, supporting Western Australia’s sustainability goals.
“Our Dampier Cargo Wharf Projects will include the construction of a new wharf in support of the multibillion-dollar Perdaman Urea Project, a link bridge and existing wharf upgrades, which will equip the Port of Dampier to handle more trade, reach international urea markets and diversify trade.”
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Several more ports in the region have been earmarked for development, and private infrastructure is currently being built at the Port of Ashburton, which will see sustainable growth in the West Pilbara for many years to come.
“There is no shortage of opportunity in the Pilbara and we look forward to working with our customers to facilitate trade, delivering a significant economic benefit back to the state,” Skimming said.
Pilbara Ports handled more than 43 per cent of worldwide iron ore traffic and 7.5 per cent of global LNG commerce in 2022-23, highlighting the region’s importance to the Australian economy and the global supply chain.
With 17,500 safe vessel movements, or more than 48 moves per day across four operating ports, the good performance was accomplished
In May 2023, the PPA delivered a total monthly throughput of 6F2.5 million tonnes (Mt) for May 2023.
