PILBARA Ports Authority has released its report for the 2019/20 financial year.

The report detailed more than 17,000 safe vessel movements with a record total annual throughput of 717.2m tonnes.

It also recorded a profit before income tax of $188m.

In April 2020, PPA issued Australia’s first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering service licences to Woodside Energy for Dampier and Port Hedland.

PPA CEO Roger Johnston said the licences recognised the ongoing commitment by PPA to achieving sustainability of the ports.

“The LNG bunkering hub not only captures the benefits of changing fuels to be more environmentally friendly, but also creates up to 125 jobs in the Pilbara, including skilled mariners and support administration. This is great news for the Pilbara and WA,” Mr Johnston said.

“The licences with Woodside Energy are the first of their kind in Australia, and are a significant step towards establishing an LNG bunkering hub for bulk vessels in the Pilbara.

“The development of the hub shows our commitment to work to align our operations with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals,” he said.

Mr Johnston said the ports of the Pilbara were able to report strong results in a tough environment.

“Pilbara Ports Authority has continued to focus on operating safely and reliably in 2019/20, adapting operations where needed, and maintaining a strong commitment to health, safety and wellbeing that extends to everyone in the port community,” he said.