At the mid-point of 2018, the Port of Newcastle has achieved a steady half year trade result. Overall the Port has handled 81.4 million tonnes of trade, valued at $AUD 13.5 billion from January to June 2018.
Project cargo, concentrates, meals and grains and steel have been performing strongly over the past six months and recorded solid increases compared to the same period in 2017. Exports of meals and grains increased 78% and concentrate exports rose by 35%. Project cargo saw growth in both imports and exports, achieving a 15% and 37% increase respectively.
Steel also recorded gains of 53% for the month of June and an overall increase of 20% year-to-date.
Coal exports performed strongly in June however year-to-date exports were tracking marginally behind the same period in 2017. The Port had seen coal exports to China increasing by 3.8 million tonnes over the past six months, alongside the steady demand for the Hunter’s high quality thermal coal from customers in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Port of Newcastle’s Acting CEO, Simon Gelder, said the continued growth in project cargo cemented Newcastle’s position as the east coast’s port of choice for oversized cargos.
“Wind turbine shipments have continued to roll into the Port over the past six months, along with oversized equipment to support the large infrastructure projects currently underway across NSW. Tunnel boring equipment for the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project is shortly due to arrive at our Mayfield 4 Berth. We are also expecting shipments of the rail assets for the Newcastle Light Rail project later in the year.
“The market is recognising the distinct competitive advantages of the Port of Newcastle. Customers are already benefiting from the Port’s close proximity to NSW’s northern, north-western, western and far-western catchment areas. Our uncongested berthside connections to the national road and rail networks means that our customers can also transport their cargo directly to-and-from the berth or the terminal.
“Coal will continue to provide the stable base for the Port’s growth, in tandem with a number of key strategic development opportunities we have underway to support our future diversification plans. These include the $33 million Newcastle Bulk Terminal and the Newcastle Container Terminal – both of which will be transformational for the Port, our customers and the local economy,” said Simon.
