News Articles for Pilbara Ports

December throughput was higher at the state's major north-west ports, with the Pilbara Ports Authority reporting nearly 60.5 million tonnes of cargo passing over its docks in the month, up 12 per cent on the same time in 2015.

The state's five port authorities posted substantially lower net incomes in the 2016 financial year but were still in the black by $223 million, according to annual reports tabled in parliament in recent weeks.

Some users may have welcomed the removal of the port enhancement charge at Geraldton, but it may not be smooth sailing for all.

A ramp-up of iron ore exports has lifted annual throughput at Port Hedland to a new record of 460.4 million tonnes, with the combined Pilbara Ports Authority tracking for a figure of 633.5mt per year.

Local contractor Pindan has won the tender for construction of the new $70.7 million marine control tower in Port Hedland, which is one of four major projects worth nearly $800 million at the port.

The state government has extended its discounted charges at the Utah Point bulk handling facility by another year, to help junior miners continue exporting iron ore, as debate around the sale of the port continues.

The state government's privatisation program hit more trouble today, with a mining lobby group that represents the users of the Utah Point wharf condemning a lack of consultation on the proposed sale. It follows a move by the National Party on Tuesday to refer the sale legislation to a parliamentary committee.

Vessels are being evacuated from the port at Port Hedland as a tropical low tracks towards the coast of Western Australia.

The first shipment of iron ore from Gina Rinehart's $10 billion Roy Hill project has been delayed because of commissioning and safety issues.

Four contractors have been shortlisted to build a new $70.7 million marine control tower in Port Hedland for the Pilbara Ports Authority.

The state government says the shipping capacity of Port Hedland could increase by 16 per cent to 577 million tonnes, opening up the possibility of further growth in iron ore exports through the existing harbour.

Australia's trade deficit improved to $2.3 billion for the month of September, in seasonally adjusted terms, despite Western Australia's export performance being softer than the same time last year.

SPECIAL REPORT: Earnings for the state from the powerhouse minerals and energy industries have softened, but agriculture, among other sectors, will create opportunities. Business News also takes an in depth look at Bunbury port, where a big expansion plan needs community backing and solid regional demand growth.

Contractors pursuing new infrastructure projects are continuing to diversify across industry sectors and geographies in response to continued weakness in mining-related work.

The engineering arm of property and infrastructure group Lendlease has won a $96 million contract to build BHP Billiton's new tug harbour at Hunt Point in Port Hedland.

Mining giant BHP Billiton has announced plans to construct a new eight-pen tug harbour at Hunt Point in Port Hedland, as well as purchase six additional tugs, for $US240 million ($A326 million).

A small batch of bauxite sent overseas for refining may signal the start of a much bigger play by Alcoa, which would have major consequences for WA's South West.

The Pilbara Ports Authority lifted throughput to a record 619.8 million tonnes in 2014-15, primarily on the back of a 21 per cent jump in iron ore shipments through Port Hedland offsetting a small decline at Dampier.

Marine services group TAMS Group has delivered on its potential to provide flexible options for customers in the marine services sector, winning its second Rising Stars award in two years.

Price and production uncertainty over a range of commodities is flowing through to port investments, with enthusiasm for development taking a back seat to pragmatism.

The Pilbara Ports Authority has begun clearing large vessels out of the ports of Dampier and Ashburton, ahead of a cyclone which is expected to hit the Pilbara coast by tomorrow morning.

Asciano subsidiary Patrick is looking to expand its operations at the port of Dampier, after announcing the purchase of a floating wharf that US company Apache Energy is close to completing.

The state government has split the advisory roles for the first tranche of its asset sales program as it starts a sell down process that it hopes will relieve its difficult budget position.

Iron ore production shows no sign of slowing, but getting the ore on the water may be more problematic.

BC Iron is one step closer to completing its $256 million takeover bid for the Kerry Stokes-backed Iron Ore Holdings, after major shareholder Australian Capital Equity yesterday accepted the offer.

As the scale of Western Australia's iron ore exports has increased, so has the impact of any glitches in the system, such as strike action or the weather.

FEATURE: Industrial uncertainty and an urgent need for more infrastructure are putting the squeeze on iron ore exports through Port Hedland, while productivity increases and transshipment options are also being mulled over statewide.

An intended strike by tugboat engineers at Port Hedland, which had threatened to stop exports of iron ore worth $100 million a day, has been called off because of a technicality.