Southern Ports posts record trade in 2025–26

SOUTHERN Ports has delivered one of its strongest operational and financial performances on record, handling 32.3 million tonnes of trade across Albany, Bunbury and Esperance in 2025–26 and setting nine trade records across its network.

The port authority’s 2026 annual report shows export volumes rose 9% to 29.7 million tonnes, driven by exceptional grain and iron‑ore performance.

Grain exports reached an unprecedented 9.7 million tonnes, with Albany and Esperance both achieving new port‑level records.

Albany marked its highest-ever total trade, highest-ever export trade, and highest-ever vessel visits in its 200‑year history.

Iron‑ore exports rebounded to 4.2 million tonnes, supported by the onboarding of Yilgarn Iron as Esperance’s second iron‑ore customer.

The company’s inaugural shipment of 176,000 tonnes reactivated key freight corridors linking the Yilgarn Hub with Esperance and is expected to grow toward more than four million tonnes annually.

Spodumene exports remained strong at 2.5 million tonnes, reinforcing Bunbury and Esperance’s role as critical gateways for WA’s lithium sector.

Bunbury also recorded its highest-ever Berth 8 throughput (2.97 million tonnes) and a record 73,000 tonnes of scrap metal exported.

On the import side, Esperance posted record fuel imports of 413,000 tonnes, strengthening regional energy security during a year of broader supply chain challenges.

Across the network, Southern Ports facilitated more than half a million tonnes of fertiliser imports, supporting agricultural production across southern WA.

Southern Ports reported $193.8 million in revenue and $16.95 million net profit, returning $3.02 million in dividends to the state. The organisation achieved a 5.2% return on assets, reflecting what it said was the stability of its diversified trade base.

The state government invested $93 million in Southern Ports’ assets during the year, including $47 million in capital projects across 83 initiatives. The authority maintained more than 9500 assets and completed more than 12,500 maintenance requests.

Safety performance remained strong, with a lost time injury frequency rate of 1.1, a 15% improvement on the previous year.

Southern Ports’ 310‑strong workforce is now 78% regionally based, with Esperance accounting for the largest share.

Employee enablement rose to 68%, while engagement remained steady at 62%. The organisation invested more than $270,000 in health and wellbeing programs, including skin cancer screening, influenza vaccinations and coaching sessions.

Southern Ports contributed $363,000 to 134 community groups and expanded its partnership with Foodbank to include funding for new facilities. Albany’s bicentenary celebrations were a major highlight, with PortFest attracting strong community participation.

Cruise activity also rebounded, with 18 vessel visits and an estimated $6.5 million economic contribution to Albany alone.

The report outlines continued investment in port planning, technology, cyber security and energy transition initiatives.

Bunbury will undertake detailed planning to support future industrial growth, while Albany will progress planning for a new General Purpose Berth to replace ageing infrastructure.

Southern Ports chief executive Keith Wilks said the organisation is focused on preparing its ports for emerging opportunities in advanced manufacturing, clean energy and regional industry.

“Our ports are ready for what comes next,” Mr Wilks said. “Diversification, strong customer partnerships and continued investment in our people and assets position us well for the future.”