A SURGE in breakbulk trade for the Port of Mackay has seen 14 vessels and more than 60,000 freight tonnes processed to the end of January 2026, double last year’s full-year result, North Queensland Bulk Ports has announced.
The record volumes were supported by a strong agricultural season and growing breakbulk activity in Northern Queensland.
Total trade volumes surpassed two million tonnes for the Port of Mackay in the first half of the 2025–26 financial year.
NQBP chief executive Brendan Webb said between July and December 2025, the port handled 2.016 Mt of trade.
“The Port of Mackay’s strong trade results are being driven by an uplift in grain activity, continued strength across key commodities and a surge in project and general cargo movements,” Mr Webb said.
The Port of Mackay has seen a lift in grain trade, with 265,431 tonnes moving through the port. Image: NQBP
“Grain exports have recorded an impressive six months, already exceeding last financial year’s total of 244,917 tonnes.”
To date, 265,431 tonnes of grain have moved through the port, which reflected a successful harvest season and strong coordination across the supply chain.
The Port of Mackay’s top three commodities traded were petroleum (import) at 1,002,709 tonnes, sugar (export) at 501,054 tonnes and grain (export) at 265,431 tonnes.
“Mackay is one of Australia’s largest sugar-producing regions and the port hosts one of the world’s largest bulk sugar terminals,” Mr Webb said.
“Supporting agricultural activity, fertiliser imports have also tracked strongly, with 52,551 tonnes handled so far — approaching the full-year total of 58,086 tonnes recorded last financial year.”
Mr Webb added the Port of Mackay’s strategic location, along with multi-cargo ability and well-established regional links played a key role in trade for Queensland.
“With solid momentum heading into the second half of the financial year, the Port of Mackay remains well positioned to continue supporting regional growth and industry outcomes,” he said.
“This momentum is being supported by significant infrastructure investment, including a new multi‑million‑dollar container depot currently under construction, which will further strengthen the Port of Mackay’s capability and support continued trade diversification.”