The Port Authority of NSW’s Hunter and Illawarra regional ports have celebrated 10 years as part of the state-owned corporation, recording $258 billion and $108 billion in trade for the regions respectively.
Illawarra region
CEO Captain Philip Holliday said the Port Authority has been the backbone for Illawarra regional trade, ensuring the safe navigation of over 8,000 commercial vessels through Port Kembla.
“Over 10 years, Port Kembla has seen 2.4 million motor vehicles through our port, almost 100 per cent of NSW’s motor vehicle imports,” Captain Holliday said.
“We have been committed to supporting our farmers, ensuring 21 million tonnes of wheat was shipped safely out to the world contributing to the global food supply chain during difficult times.
“Our team is made up of locals who are deeply connected to the community. They are dedicated to the region they and their families call home and to ensuring trade flows seamlessly through our harbour every day.
“In the decade to come, we will continue our focus on fostering trade and economic growth in the Illawarra and investing in state-of-the-art technology to keep our port future fit for all opportunities.
“This includes standing ready for innovation in the port including supporting the new LNG import facility under development and training our highly skilled operations team to accommodate shipping advancements.”
Port Kembla and South Coast harbour master, Sharad Bhasin, said he was proud of the positive impact the Port Authority has had on the community and economy of the Illawarra region.
“Port Authority has been a pillar of the Illawarra and our hardworking team has had an immense and ongoing impact on our community” Captain Bhasin said.
“We are also leading sustainability projects such as our NSW-first anchorages project that is protecting the unique deep water rocky reef that is a biodiversity hotspot off Port Kembla.”
Hunter region
The Port Authority of NSW also helped facilitate a staggering $258 billion in trade for the Hunter region and ensured the safe navigation of more than 22,000 commercial vessels through Newcastle harbour. It translates to the movement of more than 1.6 billion tonnes of cargo.
“Our people are locals so are personally invested in the region’s prosperity. They take great pride in our everyday operations that keep trade moving in and out of our harbour 365 days, 24/7,” Captain Holliday said.
“The decade ahead is shaping up to be equally successful and we will continue to facilitate the region’s trade while working on how to support greater benefits to the region by investing in cutting edge technology, training and new opportunities.
“This includes our focus on expanding the cruising market in the Hunter that will inject millions of dollars into the economy, support local businesses and create jobs over the next 10 years.”
Newcastle harbour master, Captain Vikas Bangia, said he was incredibly proud of his team and leading a publicly owned local business that delivers real benefits to the region.
“Port Authority’s team are highly professional, and I am very grateful for their commitment and contributions over the past 10 years,” Captain Bangia said.
“Though port operations can be challenging and dynamic, it is very rewarding and satisfying to know what we do makes a real difference.
Captain Bangia said the last 10 years have brought many challenges like the pandemic and extended flood events in the harbour.
“I am so proud of how our local team kept trade moving during the challenging period by quickly pivoting to adopt strict safety protocols that minimised disruptions and kept the port open to the world,” he said.
“We will continue to be a leading Authority in the maritime industry, ready for whatever opportunities and new industries arise for the region. We will achieve this by continuing to prioritise training and innovation opportunities to adapt to a changing global shipping environment.
“With customised training for our highly skilled pilots and marine operations personnel, we continue to evolve to meet the needs of the global maritime industry, accommodating larger or specialised vessels which require precision in the harbour.”
Port Authority of NSW facts
- It has facilitated 99 per cent of NSW trade worth $1 trillion by the safe arrival of 56,000 commercial vessels.
- It enabled around 6,000 vessel calls to the State’s ports every year, facilitating around $140 billion worth of trade annually, supporting NSW industries and businesses and tens of thousands of jobs.
- It ensured NSW primary producers got over 32 million tonnes of wheat out to market from Newcastle and Port Kembla, supporting our farmers and sustaining global food supply chains.
- It hosted well over 2,000 cruise ship visits to NSW, contributing up to $3.5 billion annually to the State’s economy and supporting an ecosystem of suppliers, hospitality businesses and tourism.
