Counting the bulk carriers anchored off the Newcastle and Central Coast is a common pastime, but if you lost track at times over the past year, we’ve got a good excuse for you.
The port of Newcastle set a new trade record in the 07-08 financial year, meaning more ships than ever before made their way into our harbour.
Around 93-million tonnes of imports and exports were loaded and unloaded, that’s $10.3-billion worth of goods.
“Trade increased by 7.71 million tonnes, with a dollar value of $2 billion since last financial year,” NSW Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said.
Coal continues to be Newcastle’s main export with 88.88 million tonnes leaving the port in 2007/08.
“Rural drought conditions have significantly impacted on grain movements through Newcastle for the past few years but this was offset slightly this year by import of fertilizer products,” Mr Tripodi said.
A total of 3,227 shipping movements were registered, which is a 10 per cent increase on the previous year.
