Chief Executive Officer of Newcastle Port Corporation, Gary Webb, said “the 2011 annual coal exports of 114.1 million tonnes is a new record surpassing the 2010 calendar year exports of 102.5 million tonnes. This trade worth $12.8 billion is a major contributor to the state and national economy.”
“The 11% increase for the year is a reflection of continued strong demand for coal from the Hunter Valley and the co-ordinated work of producers and service providers to expand exports.” said Gary.
“The ramping up of exports from the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group terminal has been a significant contributor as well as expanding export capacity at the Port Waratah Coal Services terminals facilitated through the Hunter Coal Export Framework completed with the Newcastle Port Corporation in 2009,” said Gary.
In addition to the annual record a new monthly coal export record of 11.6 million tonnes beating the previous record of 10.2 million tonnes by 14%.
“The monthly record for December of 11.6 million tonnes demonstrates the capacity of the coal supply chain when all of the elements are aligned. This highlights the opportunity available in 2012 for further periodic and annual records,” said Gary.
Trade in non-coal commodities is also strong in the second half of the 2011 year and the Port is on track to have increased growth in non-coal trade for the financial year ending June 2012.