Port Hedland, Australia, has broken its own record. The port has been named as the world’s biggest bulk export port for a second year running, beating its previous output by 47mt (million tonnes).
The port shipped a record 246.7mt of product in 2011, in response to demand from China for steel. Steel demand has provided stability for the port, especially as iron ore fluctuated in price over recent years.
With demand for commodities still strong and further planned expansions for the port, similar increases are expected in the coming years, the Port Hedland Port Authority chief executive, Roger Johnson claimed.
At the end of the last financial year, the port’s exports had increased by 23% on the previous year. The port previously handled 199mt in 2010/2011.
Two new berths are planned for the port, and Hancock Prospecting has just completed the dredging required for these. FMG is expected to bring its fourth berth at Port Hedland online within the next year.