NPC chief executive officer Gary Webb said 2011 coal exports from the port totalled 114.1 million tonnes.

“The 2011 annual coal exports of 114.1 million tonnes is a new record surpassing the 2010 calendar year exports of 102.5 million tonnes,” Webb said.

“The 11% increase for the year is a reflection of continued strong demand for coal from the Hunter Valley and the co-ordinated work of producers and service providers to expand exports.”

Other factors in the record export figure included the ramping up of coal exports from the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group terminal and the expanding export capacity at the Port Waratah Coal Services terminals.

Newcastle’s coal exporting trade was worth $A12.8 billion in 2011based on a thermal spot price of $112

per tonne.

While 2011 was a record for coal exports, December 2011 also proved to be a successful month for exports.

“The monthly record for December of 11.6 million tonnes demonstrates the capacity of the coal supply chain when all of the elements are aligned” Webb said.

Webb said the record breaking month for coal shipments signified a favourable outlook for 2012.

“This highlights the opportunity available in 2012 for further periodic and annual records.”