During the month coal exports reached 6.65 million tonnes, eclipsing the previous monthly record set in April 2001 of 6.46 Mt by over 182,000t.

In order to service the export total, the port handled a record 264 pilotage movements.

“Newcastle’s reputation as a coal export port is renowned internationally,” said Minister for Transport, Carl Scully.

“Whilst the port of actively working towards diversification of its trades, it is continuing to build upon its reputation as Australia’s premier coal export port.”

“I would like to congratulate all concerned from Newcastle Port Corporation, terminal operators Port Waratah Coal Services, and all in the Hunter Valley Coal chain on this achievement,” Scully said.

The new record was achieved in the wake of the completion of the Stage 3 expansion at Port Waratah Coal Services Kooragang Island terminal, which has seen coal loading capacity for the Port of Newcastle increased to 89 Mtpa.

The expansion, valued at over $340 million, included the introduction of a third shiploader at the Kooragang facility, allowing the port to load five coal vessels simultaneously – two at Carrington and three at Kooragang.