Trade at the Port of Newcastle remains strong with the 2015 trade statistics showing the Port handled 163.9 million tonnes of trade in the calendar year. This was a 0.3% decrease in port trade compared with 2014.

 

Coal exports, comprised 158.1 million tonnes (96.5% of trade), providing a stable foundation for its continued growth, coupled with the further growth and diversification of other trades. The decrease in coal exports is a reflection of current difficult market conditions. Despite the reduction in exports to China, positive growth in exports to other countries was recorded. The largest coal export destinations were Japan (45%), Korea (20%), China (13%) and Taiwan (11%).

 

Non coal trade (imports and exports) comprised 5.8 million tonnes in 2015, an increase of 9% from 2014. Growth was recorded in fuels, fertiliser and alumina imports, meals and grains, concentrates and steel exports.

 

Meals and grains have seen increases in both imports and exports through the Port. The arrival of a record 1.25 km long grain train in December 2015 carrying 5,000 tonnes of wheat highlights the opportunities for efficient distribution of grain from facilities at NAT and Graincorp.

 

The import of fuel is an important growth opportunity for the Port, in response to the closure of Australian refineries. The Port has three fuel terminals and another terminal in the early stages of planning.

 

“With 200 hectares of vacant port-side land and a shipping channel that can handle double the current shipping, the Port of Newcastle has huge capacity for growth,” said Geoff Crowe, Port of Newcastle CEO.