For the fifth consecutive year, Pilbara Ports has recorded record-breaking throughput for the 2023-24 financial year.
A record 758.3 million tonnes of exports passed through the Pilbara’s ports in the last financial year. The commodities exported through Pilbara Ports in 2023-24 were valued at an estimated $173.2 billion, highlighting the region’s significance to the nation’s economy and to the global supply chain.
The Port of Port Hedland contributed significantly to this achievement with a throughput of 573.6 million tonnes, solidifying its status as one of Australia’s most valuable ports.
Commonwealth and State Government investment in major projects, such as Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland and the Dampier Cargo Wharf in the Port of Dampier, is driving demand for regional jobs in the Pilbara. 74 per cent of Pilbara Ports’ contract spending remains within Western Australia, and almost 45 per cent is invested in Pilbara-based businesses.
Pilbara Ports play a crucial role in facilitating Australia’s iron ore trade, handling approximately 80 per cent of the national trade and 43 per cent of the global trade.
Salt exports through the ports of Port Hedland and Dampier totalled 7.1 million tonnes in 2023-24, accounting for about 51 per cent of Australian salt production.
The strong financial result was achieved with more than 7,700 safe vessel visits, equating to an average of 21 vessel visits each day across four operational ports.
Western Australian Ports Minister, David Michael, said the Pilbara is the economic powerhouse of the nation and that these results are an example of that.
“The State Government continues to invest in infrastructure projects that fuel future prosperity and support regional jobs growth.
“It’s fantastic to see Pilbara Ports continuing to meet industry’s growing export needs, as strong economic conditions across the Pilbara increase demand for port services.”
Pilbara MLA, Kevin Michel, said, “Communities in the Pilbara continue to benefit from the success of our ports, with many local businesses being involved in achieving this strong result.
“Our ports are gateways connecting the Pilbara to the global market, and I am proud of the significant impact we make on the world stage.”
Featured image: ambient_pix/shutterstock.com
