A surge in coal and wheat exports has been credited for an increase in trade at the Port of Newcastle.
In December 2016 15.9 million tonnes of coal left Newcastle, which is a new record for the port.
Wheat shipments surged to almost 761,000 tonnes, while fuel imports increased to 1.7 million tonnes.
In total, 168 million tonnes passed through the port in 2016, with a value of $18.69 billion.
“This is a great result for the Port, the Hunter region and the state, and we continue to work with industry and businesses throughout our New South Wales catchment area to deliver new trade,” said Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Crowe.
The Port of Newcastle is the third largest port in Australia and is ranked 24th globally.
“We have huge capacity for further diversification and growth, with 200 hectares of vacant land and a shipping channel which can handle double the current ship numbers,” said Mr Crowe.
