Port Hedland reports record-breaking year
Continued growth and a rapidly expanding harbour have led to a record-breaking year for Port Hedland, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, which continues to hold the position of the world's largest bulk export port.
Figures released for the 2010-11 financial year depict a total throughput of 199.002 million tonnes, eclipsing the previous year's record Ωby more than 20 million tonnes. Other records set included the largest iron ore shipment to leave Port Hedland, with 247,858 tonnes on the vessel 'Cape Infinity' and largest cargo shipped on a single tide with a total of 914,881 tonnes aboard five ships.
"The Port Hedland Port Authority will further progress its work with all proponents and port users, including major and junior miners, to enable future growth and greater throughput," said Port Hedland Port Authority's acting chief executive Lindsay Copeman. "With current and forecast development, the authority is committed to forging new avenues for trade in the Pilbara for the benefit of the state and national economies as it surges towards achieving throughput of over 400 million tonnes per annum in coming years."
Copeman added the port was also pleased with the progress of the Utah Berth, which has recorded a total throughput of 6.2 million tonnes since its commissioning in September 2010. The largest shipment to leave the berth was set in July, with the 'Duhallow' shipping a combined total of 114,546 tonnes of manganese and chromite.