Pilbara Ports registers record exports

The Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) has once again broken its annual throughput record, registering a throughput of 733.1 million tonnes in fiscal year 2021-22.

This is 1% more than in the previous financial year and shows a solid performance despite the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. CEO Roger Johnston says the PPA is moving ahead with several major infrastructure projects to diversify trade and be well positioned to meet the development needs of the port.

“A key priority for the PPA is to expand trade through the port of Port Hedland. This will be achieved through a revision of the Port Hedland Development Plan, which identifies opportunities to increase iron exports to 660 million tons per year,” says Johnston.

It also needs to build a general cargo pier at Lumsden Point to relieve pressure on existing berths, he said. The development will also support emerging markets such as battery metals and the growth of Pilbara dropshipping services.

“Port Dampier will also be expanded with the construction of a new multi-use marina to support a proposed A$4.3bn [$2.97bn] project that will open up access to the global urea market as well as create regional jobs,” notes Johnston. .

Johnston says these important infrastructure projects will ensure that PPA continues to expand to meet projected demand. “We expect strong growth in emerging markets, especially as demand for imports of renewable energy infrastructure, including wind turbines and blades, and the creation of new export routes for critical minerals and rare earths,” he comments.

PPA's long-term plans also include exploring import and export opportunities at the Port of Ashburton and planning five new ports, Johnston said.

“The growth in capacity and trade is underpinned by the contribution PPA is making to the Australian economy, with the value of goods passing through our ports this fiscal year exceeding A$165 billion.”

In 2021-2022, over 42% of global iron ore trade and nearly 7% of global LNG trade passed through PPA ports. This was achieved through 17,000 safe ship movements, averaging 35 ships per day.