PILBARA Ports Authority has reported a year-on-year throughput growth of 3% for September, boosted by shipments from Onslow Iron’s Ashburton operations.
The total monthly throughput for September 20205 was 68.5 million tonnes (Mt), of which Port Hedland accounted for 49.4Mt, and 48.6Mt of that was iron ore exports. This was a 1% decrease to total throughput compared to September 2024.
Imports through Port Hedland totalled 214,000 tonnes, a decrease of 5% compared to September 2024.
The Port of Dampier delivered a total throughput of 15.1Mt. PPA said this figure was consistent with the total monthly throughput in September 2024.
Imports through Dampier totalled 107,000 tonnes, a decrease of 26 % from September 2024.
The Port of Ashburton delivered a total throughput of 4.1Mt. This was an increase of 179% compared to September 2024 and occurred as Mineral Resources ramped up export activities with, now, five transhippers.
The sixth, MinRes Lily, was launched at the Cosco shipyard at Guangzhou, China last month and is due to enter service next year.
Commenting on the overall September result PPA said several factors influence the fluctuation of throughput, including changes in market conditions, port maintenance operations and proponent needs.
Pilbara Ports Authority’s Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum is being held in Perth tomorrow and Wednesday [21-22 October] with a strong line-up of local and overseas speakers. DCN’s David Sexton will provide full conference coverage in coming days.