For the fourth year in a row, Pilbara Ports has exceeded its operation goals and finished the financial year strongly.
In its report, the trade enterprises represented a three per cent increase compared to the previous financial year, with 752.4Mt of throughput recorded in 2022-2023, worth an estimated $164 billion.
Several new infrastructure projects are currently underway, which the company hopes will open the Pilbara region for future growth and opportunities.
Pilbara Ports CEO, Samuel McSkimming, said that progressing infrastructure projects at the operational ports of Port Hedland, Dampier and Ashburton, would help enable an increase in trade as well as diversification.
“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,” said Mr McSkimming.
“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.”
Several new ports in the Pilbara region have been marked for development, with private infrastructure currently being built at the Port of Ashburton, which will see continued growth in the West Pilbara area.
“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,” Mr McSkimming said.
More than 43 per cent of the global iron ore trade and 7.5 per cent of global liquefied natural gas trade passed through the Pilbara Ports throughout 2022-2023, highlighting the significance of the region to the Australian economy, and to the global supply chain.
The strong result was achieved with 17,500 safe vessel movements which equates to more than 48 movements each day across four operational ports.
