Diversification key as Southern Ports breaks new records

Southern Ports has set eight new trade records in a bumper year across its three ports at Albany, Bunbury and Esperance. 

Overall grain exports of 9.7mt shattered previous records by close to 340,000 tonnes, including new highs at both Albany (4.6mt) and Esperance (3.8mt) ports, reinforcing Southern Ports’ critical role in connecting the state’s southern agricultural industry to global markets.

WA’s oldest and most historic port, the Port of Albany, recorded the highest total trade (5.7mt) and exports (5.5mt) than any other time in its 200-year history. The Port also welcomed more vessels than ever before (171).

Record fuel trade at the Port of Esperance (413,000t) and scrap metal at the Port of Bunbury (73,000t) were also contributors to Southern Ports total trade for the year (of 32mt), which was up (by 2mt) on the previous year. 

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said improving efficiencies and an expanding customer base was allowing the ports to handle increasing trade.

“Significant investment into existing Port of Albany infrastructure is allowing high volumes of trade while we continue to advance plans for a new berth,” Mr Wilks said.

“It is vital the Port remains efficient so that Great Southern growers producing bumper crops remain connected with customers all over the world.”

“Despite several disruptions impacting the global shipping industry over the past year, our ports in Albany, Esperance and Bunbury continue to get the job done,” Mr Wilks said.

“The proactive approach taken by teams should give our customers across the Great Southern, South West and Goldfields-Esperance regions tremendous confidence.

“We remain committed to working with them so that our regional industries can go from strength to strength.”

With an increased focus on diversification of products and customers, the ports handled close to 40 commodities for 55 customers across the course of the year.

New product moving through the ports included quicklime in bulker bags (10,500 tonnes) and minerals, while new customers included Yilgarn Iron and Pacific Lime and Cement.

These and other customers have partnered with Southern Ports to unlock new trade opportunities, adopting new cargo handling methods and operational approaches. 

“We’ve worked with CSBP to improve fertiliser import operations, supported the first importation of bagged quicklime with Pacific Lime and Cement, and partnered with Esperance Quality Grains to facilitate the first use of a mobile shiploader for legume exports,” Mr Wilks said.

“By finding new and more efficient ways to move trade, we’re helping regional industries grow, supporting jobs and strengthening the State’s economy.

“Infrastructure Australia has reinforced the growing need for bulk export ports across the nation to diversify in order to remain resilient and that is something we keep front of mind to foster enduring value within our regions.

“In a number of respects we are ahead of the curve in terms of diversification, but we’re certainly not resting on our laurels.”

Southern Ports’ full FY26 results will be made available when its annual report is tabled during State Parliament in the coming months. 

ENDS
 

Southern Ports’ trade records (FY26)

*Denotes previous record.