Growing Port of Brisbane books a new record result

Staff WriterSeptember 25, 2007, 12:00 amSeptember 25, 2007

Growth at the Port of Brisbane continued strongly for the year 2006&#4707, as the port announced new records for both container and total trade today (Tuesday, September 25). Container trade increased by 14.2% to 875,069 teu, while total tonnage achieved its highest growth rate in many years, up 4.9% or 1.3m tonnes to 28.1m tonnes. Import and export container trade recorded strong increases of 13.7% and 14.7% respectively. While the port saw a significant increase in the number of container ship and car carrier calls, the increasing size of vessels worldwide led to marginal growth in total ship visits, up 0.5% to 2,632. Releasing the port’s end-of-year trade results today, Queensland transport minister John Mickel said strong economic conditions, sustained population growth and the continuing boom in mining and construction led to the record-breaking performances. &#8220The Port of Brisbane’s growth has again surpassed that of its east-coast capital-city port competitors,&#8221 Mr Mickel said. &#8220Brisbane has eclipsed the growth through the ports of Melbourne and Sydney, and compounded container trade growth over the last 10 years has been 12.4% per annum.&#8221 The increases were attributed to increased imports of retail products (up 14.5% to 169,468 teu) and transhipped container trade, which increased by over 79% to 45,148 teu. Export metal manufactures also increased by a massive 94.5% to 9,664 teu. Both import and export timber recorded strong growth (up 23.5% and 23.8% respectively). &#8220Following the national trend, Queensland motor-vehicle sales remained strong throughout the year, leading to a substantial rise in motor-vehicle imports of 15.8% to reach a total of 204,386 units, including transhipments,&#8221 Mr Mickel said. Export cereals dropped 56.5% to 364,499 tonnes, while cotton and cotton seed was down 31.7% to 231,939 tonnes as a result of severe prolonged drought conditions. Imports of fertiliser and chemicals also decreased slightly &#8211 by 1.4% &#8211 as a result of the drought conditions. Brisbane’s share of the east-coast trade increased to 19.1%.