TOTAL cargo throughput at ports in the Pilbara in February increased by 5% compared with the same month last year, according to the latest data available from the Pilbara Ports Authority.

The ports of the region handled a total of 54.8 million tonnes last month.

The Port of Port Hedland achieved a monthly throughput of 39.3 million tonnes, of which 38.8 million tonnes was iron ore exports.

Port Hedland’s total throughput last month was a 2% decrease on the same month in 2022.

Imports through the Port of Port Hedland totalled 162,000 tonnes, a decrease of 1% compared with last year.

The Port of Dampier handled a total throughput of 14.7 million tonnes, a 26% increase from February 2022.

Imports through the Port of Dampier totalled 87,000 tonnes, a decrease of 10% from February 2022.