WESTERN Australia’s major port authorities have emerged from the 2024–25 financial year in positive fashion after four of the five state government-owned entities released their annual reports last week.
From minerals in the north to grain in the south the ports of the Kimberley Port Authority, Pilbara Ports, Fremantle Ports and Southern Ports have dealt with infrastructure transformation, trade diversification, and sustainability.
The Kimberley Ports Authority (KPA) posted a pre-tax profit of $6.8 million—well above forecast—driven by the start of bulk product exports from the Port of Broome. A total of 1679 vessels moved 4.69 million tonnes of cargo, with mineral sands exports operating for a full year and iron ore exports resuming at Wyndham.
KPA completed wharf upgrades, secured federal approval for First Point of Entry facilities at Wyndham, and finalised its Kimberley Ports Master Plan to guide regional development. Sustainability credentials were bolstered with ISO certifications and dust mitigation strategies, while community engagement remained strong through education partnerships and local sponsorships.
Pilbara Ports delivered a 13% increase in operating profit to $398.5 million, underpinned by a maturing safety culture and the launch of its “Anchored in Safety” strategy. Vessel traffic services were enhanced with a new centre in Dampier, while Port Hedland welcomed two Airbus H135 helicopters and a hybrid marine pilotage model.
More than $1.3 billion is being invested in generational infrastructure, including the Dampier Cargo Wharf Extension and Lumsden Point. The Spoilbank Marina opened in Port Hedland with more than half its spend awarded to local and First Nations businesses. Pilbara Ports also partnered with the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation to deliver a world-first ship-to-ship ammonia transfer, positioning the region as a clean fuel leader.
Fremantle Ports recorded a profit-before-tax of $63.4 million, with container throughput reaching a record 887,514 TEU and motor vehicle imports climbing to 132,478 units. While overall tonnage dipped slightly to 29 million tonnes due to reduced bulk exports, the port’s rail share rose to 23.5%—double the national average.
A $53.8 million capital works program included commissioning a clinker conveyor system in Kwinana and continued bollard replacements. Fremantle refreshed its 2027 Strategic Plan and deepened planning with Westport for the future container terminal in Kwinana. Safety performance improved markedly, and the port’s Navigate Wellbeing program and community engagement initiatives reinforced its people-first approach.
Southern Ports facilitated 30 million tonnes of trade across Albany, Bunbury, and Esperance, setting 13 trade records despite disruptions from customer closures. Revenue reached $206.1 million, with a net profit of $33.15 million. The authority signed 22 new trade agreements, welcoming eight new commodities including sugar—imported for the first time in decades via Bunbury.
A record $59 million was invested across 152 capital projects, including berth upgrades and the $34 million Turkey Point bridge. Southern Ports became the fifth globally to earn international asset management accreditation and secured ISO certifications for safety and environment. With more than 300 regional employees and 120 community projects supported, the port’s new Strategic Direction aims to deliver “strong regional ports, strong regions.”
Across WA’s port network, there was more than $1.5 billion in combined capital investment and a growing emphasis on clean energy, regional development, and community integration.