Port Kembla is not only one of Australia’s most important ports, but also one of its most diverse. DCN takes a look at some of the port’s day-to-day operations, as well as its history and potential future prospects.THE ILLAWARRA region of New South Wales has a history of strong industrial roots, from which Port Kembla grew, initially as a port focused on coal and steel.
Over the years, thanks to the deepwater access and connections to Sydney and the broader south and southwest NSW regions, the port has evolved to become an international trade gateway for the bulk agricultural, construction, and mining industries, as well as the state’s largest motor vehicle import hub.
With a total of 18 berths, Port Kembla is a port with a number of different feathers in its cap, and is home to a range of industries and services. The port has also been approved by the NSW Government as the site of the state's next container terminal once Port Botany nears capacity.
Port Kembla is the second largest coal export port in NSW, with the Port Kembla Coal Terminal (PKCT) servicing the state's southern and western coalfields. According to Wollongong City Libraries, in 1882 Mount Kembla Coal and Oil Co. built a private jetty at Port Kembla, with a rail link to the company's mine at Mount Kembla. The first shipment of coal from Port Kembla was on S.S. Arawata which took on approximately 2000 tons of coal in February of 1883.
The Port Kembla Harbour Act was passed on 23 December 1898, allowing for the building of two breakwaters, in order to give protection to the many ships that were now visiting the port.
The years 1940 to 1960 saw such an increase in shipping traffic that it was recognised that a secondary harbour was needed to cope with the extra demand for docking and loading space, according to Wollongong City Libraries.
The State Government agreed to proceed with construction, with dredging commencing in the 1950’s. The Inner Harbour was opened on 28 November 1960.
Today, Port Kembla handles anything from cars, heavy vehicles, wind tower components, metallurgical coal, bulk goods, cement including clinker and gypsum, iron ore and scrap to make steel products, and the occasional container, with plans to expand the port further for the future.
Among the various operations integral to the port is towage, with provider Svitzer having a significant presence in the region. Svitzer has three tugboats in Port Kembla: Svitzer Bass, Svitzer Ruby and Svitzer Flinders, and three Lines boats: Bodalla, Wyee and Nicola.
Speaking to DCN, a Svitzer spokesperson explained its crewing is a mixture of shoreside, tug crew and lines crew, with approximately 70 employees covering these operations. These employees are mostly full-time, supported by permanent part time and casual crew.
Earlier this month, Svitzer Australia worked together with partners on a full-scale, multi-agency emergency response drill at Port Kembla, the first of its kind for Svitzer operations nationally, the spokesperson said.
The scenario simulated a tug master becoming incapacitated in the wheelhouse while at sea, testing the coordinated response of multiple emergency services. The exercise involved stabilising the vessel, alerting emergency responders, and transferring paramedics via small craft to provide immediate care. A replacement tug master was also safely transferred onboard to bring the vessel back alongside.
A second drill followed, simulating a serious injury in the engine room. This phase focused on the stabilisation and extraction of an injured crew member using specialist recovery equipment, a critical capability in remote or confined onboard environments.
The drill was led by Max Riding Marine Standards Superintendent NSW, and involved close collaboration with NSW Ambulance, PANSW, Port Kembla Water Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, and the Regional Emergency Management Officer.
The spokesperson explained that exercises like this are vital for strengthening emergency preparedness and ensuring the safety of crews working in complex maritime environments.
DCN had the opportunity to speak with the harbour master of Port Kembla & South Coast, Sharad Bhasin, from the Port Authority of New South Wales (PANSW), about the port’s role in Australian maritime today.
“The deepwater nature of the port allows vessels of varying sizes to support the population and industry of NSW. This adaptability is what has made Port Kembla such an important part of the state’s supply chain,” Mr Bhasin said.
“We are seeing a shift in the kinds of vessels coming through Port Kembla. New industries like LNG import bring new challenges when it comes to the infrastructure of the port and the pilotage and navigation of these specialised vessels.
“Our team of expert marine pilots, marine operations and VTS crews go through extensive training to meet these challenges and continue to safely and efficiently manage shipping in the Illawarra and beyond.”
However, the region is not only significant for its man-made industries; the offshore waters off Port Kembla are home to unique underwater ecosystems, including deep rocky reefs that have been compared by some to the Great Barrier Reef. To protect this marine environment, PANSW introduced an eco-aware anchoring of vessels, with the design and promulgation of 11 anchorages.
“Vessels anchoring in this area are restricted to just 11 locations. This allows for protection and regeneration of environmentally sensitive areas and protects up to an estimated 70% of the unique rocky reef.”
Despite its uniqueness, its environment also necessitates special attention for key services like pilotage.
“The operating environment in Port Kembla has factors that make remote pilotage a real challenge. The port’s geography, combined with weather patterns, creates a complex environment to navigate.
“To assist with such complexities, the local knowledge of our marine pilots is essential to move vessels safely and efficiently through Port Kembla.”
Port Kembla has five islands near its entry, which Mr Bhasin said allows the port to continue operations through all but the most challenging weather conditions.
Mr Bhasin commented on some of the port’s unique strengths, “Port Kembla has the unique advantage of being a port which takes in deep drafted vessels for cargo import (iron ore) and deep drafted vessels sail from the port (coal export). This unique nature of our deep-water port makes it perfect for handling a variety of cargoes that are not suitable for other ports.”
“We also have a supportive and collaborative port community that enhances Port Kembla as a unique gateway to not just the Illawarra and the Emerald Coast, but for a large number of industries it supports with reliable berths and wharves for trade movements.
DCN understands through various sources the Cruise Industry Advisory Panel is currently considering options to grow cruise capacity in NSW, including the location of a future third cruise terminal. The Panel is made up of peak tourism and cruise representatives. Voices within the industry have called for Port Kembla to be the site for the proposed third cruise terminal, a decision that would add Cruise ships to Port Kembla’s operations menu, and would no doubt deliver an added boost to the region’s economy.
This article appeared in the June | July 2025 edition of DCN Magazine