Record-breaking year for port trade in state’s south

After a busy 12 months of trade, 16 records have been broken across the state’s southern ports at Albany, Bunbury and Esperance.

Exports of spodumene and grain, and imports of fertiliser and coal were at an all-time high across the southern regions, while both the Port of Albany and the Port of Bunbury enjoyed a record year for total trade.

In addition, the Port of Esperance topped a new record on the visitor front, with the most vessel visits the port has seen since 2017.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said that it’s been an extraordinary year for trade.

“Over the past year, the volume of many of our commodities including fertiliser, grain, spodumene and coal has increased,” said Mr Wilks.

“Growth and diversification of our trade is important as our state transitions to new commodities, including those that support renewable energy production.”

“A record 2.4 million tonnes of spodumene was also exported through our ports over the past year, contributing to our state’s critical battery and minerals trade which will shape our country’s clean energy future.”

“These records are testament to the terrific work of our local teams and all of our customers and port service providers who are working together to deliver Western Australian products to world markets.”

“Ports play a critical role in WA’s economy, and we’re proud to be delivering outcomes to support this.”

Southern Ports manages the gateway ports of Albany, Bunbury and Esperance and collectively handle more than 37 million tonnes of cargo a year, facilitating trade across bulk commodities, containers and cruise operations.

Southern Ports’ 2023 trade records:

Southern Ports’ CEO Keith Wilks and Talison Lithium Production Manager Guy Meade with stockpiles of record-breaking spodumene (lithium) set for export.