Flinders Ports today announced a 12.5% increase in cargo tonnage for the 2001/02 financial year, setting a new annual record throughput of 16.7 million tonnes.

Container trade was up 8.7% (Full Containers), setting a new record; grain export, totalling 6.5 million tonnes, were 30% up on the previous record; and limestone and cement volumes were the highest on record.

Results indicate growth levels in some export trades that are running above state and national GDP, highlighting the growing strength of South Australian industry.

“Results from the past financial year indicate a strengthening of South Australia’s trading performance,” said Flinders Ports CEO, Vincent Tremaine.

“The challenge for Flinders Ports is to ensure that our service capacity and infrastructure are maintained and developed in line with this continuing growth.”

“To this end, the release of the Outer Harbor Concept Plan, timed to coincide with the State Government announcement of support for the development of a deep-sea grain berth at Outer Harbor, will serve to guide future development at the Port of Adelaide,” he said.

“Of paramount importance is the deepening of the Outer Harbor channel to meet the needs of the larger container vessels now operating on the Australian coast and to provide for the trend toward larger vessels in bulk trades including grain.”

“In addition, we have a committed upgrade program in the key grain ports of Port Giles and Wallaroo and continue to look for opportunities in our other regional ports,” he said.

““Whilst we approach the near future with some caution, due to the possible impacts of drought conditions on successive financial years, Flinders Ports could not have wished for a better result in its first year of operation. The signs for South Australia are very positive. We look forward to expanding our role in providing port services and infrastructure to ensure the momentum continues.”

Flinders Ports commenced operations in November 2001 after it was announced as the successful bidder following the State Government’s decision to privatise the former South Australian Ports Corporation. In addition to the acquisition of the State’s port infrastructure, Flinders Ports also acquired a 99-year land lease and port operating license for the Port of Adelaide and the six regional ports of Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Port Giles, Klein Point, Thevenard and Wallaroo.

Key Results Summary

All Cargo

Total Throughput tonnage (All Ports) was 16,676,000 tonnes, an increase of 12.5% from the previous year’s record.

8.7% increase in containerised trade (TEU*) to 108,858 TEU (Full Containers)

Bulk/Break Bulk** Cargo

Grain Exports totalled 6,504,724 tonnes, surpassing the previous financial year’s record of just over 5 million tonnes

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