Pilbara Ports Authority has reported a record-breaking 67.9 million tonnes (Mt) of throughput in January, marking the highest January volumes in its history and underscoring the continued strength of Western Australia’s bulk export sector.
The majority of cargo comprised iron ore shipments through the Port of Port Hedland, one of the world’s largest bulk export terminals. Strong demand from key Asian markets, particularly China, continued to support elevated export volumes during the month.
In addition to iron ore, the authority handled significant volumes of salt, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and other mineral commodities, reflecting the diversified export profile of the Pilbara region.
Officials noted that improved vessel scheduling, operational efficiencies and favourable weather conditions contributed to the record throughput. Investments in infrastructure upgrades and digital port management systems have also helped optimise berth utilisation and cargo handling performance.
Pilbara Ports plays a critical role in Australia’s resources-driven economy, facilitating trade flows that underpin state and national revenue. The robust January performance signals a strong start to the year for the region’s mining and export industries.