PILBARA Ports says operational changes at the Port of Port Hedland have helped it to record high December figures.
Pilbara Ports delivered a total monthly throughput of 71.2 million tonnes (Mt) for December 2025.
Shipping figures for the month show throughput is a 7% increase compared with December 2024 and marks the highest December on record.
“This figure can be attributed to a series of targeted operational changes implemented at the Port of Port Hedland in recent months,” the report says.
“Operational changes included revised vessel movement guidelines for ebb-tide departures, creating additional sailing opportunities for large vessels, alongside ongoing improvements to Dynamic Under Keel Clearance (DUKC). These enhancements enabled ships to make better use of sailing windows, safely carry more cargo, and increase total shipping volumes.”
The Port of Port Hedland achieved a monthly throughput of 51.7Mt, of which 50.9Mt was iron ore exports. This was a 7% increase of total throughput compared with December 2024.
Imports through the Port of Port Hedland totalled 167,000 tonnes, a decrease of 15% compared with December 2024.
The Port of Dampier delivered a total throughput of 17Mt, a 6% increase from December 2024.
Imports through the Port of Dampier totalled 140,000 tonnes, an increase of 67% from December 2024.
“Several factors influence the fluctuation of throughput, including changes in market conditions, port maintenance operations and proponent needs,” the report says..