Construction boom boosts Newcastle

(Posted on 31/01/19)

The Port of Newcastle, Australia, recorded another solid year of trade in 2018 with the Hunter's construction boom and business investment helping drive growth in related cargoes. 

The port handled 280,000 tonnes of cement in 2018, up almost 11% year-on-year, amid record construction in Newcastle and strong growth in surrounding local government areas. 

Bulk fuel volumes continued to be strong, finishing the year at 1.77 million tonnes, slightly down from the record high of 1.86 million tonnes in 2017. Overall volumes are up 172% since 2013.

While exports of steel and mineral concentrates (both up 21%) were strong, wheat (down 79%) and meals and grains (down 67%) were significantly lower due to drought conditions across Port of Newcastle's catchment area, however this was partially offset by coastal imports from Western Australia in these trade types.

Work on the $33 million Newcastle Bulk Terminal upgrade is well-advanced and due for completion in 2020. A four-year project to construct the new Mayfield 7 berth to allow larger vessels also recently reached a significant milestone with the first LR1 class tanker welcomed to Stolthaven's fuel terminal earlier this month. 

Bulk liquids and dry bulk commodities - such as cement, mineral concentrates, alumina and magnetite - are expected to continue growing given the port's investment program.

Calendar year 2018 was also significant for project cargo, with a number of major project equipment and machinery shipments.

The project cargo includes some of Australia's largest wind turbines for wind farm developments across NSW and tunnel boring machinery for the Sydney North-West Metro rail project.

Newcastle is the only port on Australia's east coast with direct berth to rail line connections, which enabled significant deliveries of rolling stock for new passenger and freight trains being introduced across Sydney, Newcastle and regional NSW.

Coal exports continued to be the major contributor to the port's trade volumes, dipping to 158 million tonnes in line with demand trends for Australian coal in international markets.

Latest News

Rail freight is key competitive advantage for German seaports

With this year’s Rail Conference “Rail Freight Transport and Seaports”, a joint initiative... Read more

ABL Group and ICG announce the successful acquisition of SCF Containers

Asian Bulk Logistics (ABL Group) and ICG have jointly announced the successful completion of ABL&rsquo... Read more

AD Ports and AVESTO establish New Logistics JV in Tajikistan

Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics... Read more

Patrick Krawutschke appointed new Managing Director at HPC

The Executive Board of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has appointed Patrick Krawutschke as Managing... Read more

Karachi Gateway agreement to develop clean bulk handling and storage facility

Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, transport, industry, and logistics... Read more

30 Years of DUKC at Port Hedland

This year marks a significant milestone in maritime innovation as Port Hedland, Australia, celebrates... Read more

Major capital investment programme for ABP’s South Wales ports

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading port operator, has announced the latest tranche... Read more

Strategic partnership for Vietnam-Japan green supply chain

During the Investment, Labour, and Trade Promotion Programme in Japan (November 16–22, 2025),... Read more

AD Ports signs two KEZAD land Leases of over 500,000sqm with Indian firms

AD Ports Group subsidiary Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - KEZAD Group, the largest operator of integrated... Read more

AD Ports reports record Q3 net profit of AED596M

Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, transport, industry, and logistics... Read more