The Port of Newcastle in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), has reported an 11 percent increase in trade throughput for the 2010-11 financial year.
Total imports and exports amounted to more than 114.57 million tonnes, compared with 103.02 million tonnes in 2009-10. Overall trade value was AUD17.38 billion (US$18.86 billion), an increase of more than AUD4.3 billion (US$4.7 billion) on the previous financial year. Coal exports totalled 108.26 million tonnes and were valued at AUD13.55 billion (US$18.86 billion). Imports and exports in about 40 other commodities totalled 6.32 million tonnes valued at AUD3.83 billion (US$4.15 billion).
The 11% increase in trade throughput resulted largely from continuing strong demand for coal from NSW. A total of 3,878 vessel movements were recorded during 2010-11, which was an increase of 232 on 2009-10.
"The statistics show the Port of Newcastle being an economic driver for NSW and Australia with Newcastle Port Corporation's focus on delivering opportunity for potential investors and developers being of prime importance," said Newcastle Port Corporation CEO Gary Webb. "In response to increased trade and shipping movements, the Corporation itself is investing in the future of the port through the construction of a AUD3.5 million (US$3.79 million)new port operations centre at the Pilot Station on Wharf Road."
