Freight volumes increased during 2020-21 despite disruptions to the Devonport Port and international shipping, a sign of the real strength of Tasmania’s economy.
I was pleased to inform the TasPorts Government Business Enterprise (GBE) hearing today that total freight throughput for 2021-22 was 14.9 million tonnes - a 2.8 per cent increase on 2020-21 volumes.
TasPorts safely managed 2,550 vessel visits, an 11 per cent increase on 2020-21 numbers, as recorded through TasPorts’ State-wide Vessel Traffic Service.
Key commodities transited through TasPorts’ multi-port system include forestry products, general cargo, community consumables, cement and essential fuel supplies.
An increase in containerised freight, mining and industrial products sectors during the financial year underpinned the uplift in volumes.
In relation to containerised freight, key transit points are the ports of Bell Bay, Burnie, Devonport and Hobart.
During 2021-22, a record 607,205 TEUs transited Tasmania’s multi-port network, representing a more than 2 per cent increase on the previous financial year.
Increased throughput is noted at the Port of Devonport with a record 304,865 TEUs transiting during the period, a 4.2 per cent increase on 2020-21 volumes.
That was a notable result given the interruption to shipping at the Port of Devonport from the Goliath ship allision incident with two tugs in late January.
The top five containerised commodities included general cargo, empty containers, foods, paper and timber products.
Mineral export volumes were a particular highlight, remaining robust despite market volatility, finishing at 753,000 tonnes. This represents a 22.8 per cent increase compared to the previous reporting period with exports of mineral concentrates from the Port of Burnie being the key contributing factor to growth.
As an island State, Tasmania is highly reliant upon maritime trade to sustain our communities and economy. The evidence continues to demonstrate that as a consumer and as a producer, Tasmania continues to do well and create job opportunities for our people.
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