Regional: Newcastle port ships 108.3 MT of coal in 2010-11

Australia?s Port of Newcastle, one of the largest coal exporting ports in the world reported Friday that coal exports from the port reached 108.26 million tonnes throughput with valued at A$13.55 billion for the 2010-11 financial year, up 11.55 million tonnes compared to the same period of 2009-10.

The total trade throughput of 114.57 million tonnes compared to 103.02 million tonnes in 2009-10. Overall trade value of $17.38 billion was an increase of more than $4.3 billion on the 2009-10 financial year, Chief Executive Officer of Newcastle Port Corporation, Gary Webb, said.

Imports and exports in about 40 other commodities totalled 6.32 million tonnes valued at $3.83 billion.

?The continued growth and diversity of the port resulted in increased coal exports and also trade in other commodities for which Newcastle Port Corporation and port stakeholders can be very proud,? said Gary.

?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.

?Expansion of the port?s coal terminals and the proposed development of strategic portside land at the former BHP Steelworks site at Mayfield demonstrate significant current and future investment in the port.

?In response to increased trade and shipping movements, the Corporation itself is investing in the future of the port through the construction of a $3.5 million new port operations centre at the Pilot Station on Wharf Road.?

A total of 3,878 vessel movements were recorded during 2010-11 which was an increase of 232 on 2009-10, it said. (denny)