Over the last decade the state-owned corporation has facilitated billions of dollars’ worth of trade for the Hunter and Illawarra regions.
In Newcastle, Port Authority’s operations have enabled $258 billion in trade for the Hunter region and state economy.
Port Authority of NSW CEO Captain Philip Holliday said the corporation has ensured the safe navigation of over 22,000 commercial vessels through Newcastle harbour, facilitating the movement of 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 ten years.”
Harbour Master of Newcastle Captain Vikas Bangia said the last ten 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.”
“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.”
In the Illawarra region, Port Authority of NSW has ensured the safe navigation of over 8,000 commercial vessels through Port Kembla and facilitated $108 billion in trade.
“Over ten 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.”
Harbour Master of Port Kembla and South Coast 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.”
Image: Port Authority of NSW
