Port Waratah has celebrated an important milestone for the business, the 40th anniversary of its Kooragang Coal Terminal operations.
Coal loading operations in Newcastle expanded to Kooragang Island in 1984 with the opening of Stage 1 of the Kooragang Coal Loader. The Official opening of Kooragang Coal Terminal by the Premier, Mr Neville Wran, was held on 19 June 1984.
Kooragang Coal Loader received the first coal from Saxonvale Mine on 20 December 1983 and the first shipment left on 9 May 1984 on board the bulk carrier ‘KYOTO’ for Sumitomo Cement in Japan. The stockyard stacking, reclaiming and shiploading assets were a distinctive and now iconic bright yellow, as they remain today.
Port Waratah CEO, Hennie du Plooy, says over the last 40 years, the growth in the coal trade has played a significant role in the city and the region.
“The growth in coal trade out of Newcastle supported development in the port and the region. The flow-on benefits of the investments in terminals led to improved infrastructure and regional facilities and the success with which these many changes have been navigated is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the people in the region and its industries,” said Hennie.
“We are proud to have been a part of the Newcastle community for many decades. We look forward to continuing our relationships with the community for years to come.
“I would like to acknowledge and personally thank those who have been part of our success for forty years of operating the Kooragang Terminal, especially our people.
“Our team’s commitment to continuous improvement over that time has enabled us to operate with integrity and progress. I would also like to extend thanks and recognition to our suppliers and contractors, our customers and industry partners.”
In 1990, Port Waratah purchased Kooragang Coal Loader Limited making it a wholly owned subsidiary of Port Waratah Coal Services Limited. A detailed look at its history and progression over the years is featured in a special edition community newsletter available on Port Waratah’s website.
“From my perspective, innovation, listening and learning from all of our stakeholders has been key to our ongoing success. Pioneering change and advancement have always been a priority at Port Waratah to support meeting the expectations of our stakeholders over time and keep us at the forefront of our industry.
“We also recognise that the demand for our services may materially change in the future and that the timeframe for these changes is uncertain and unpredictable. The product quality and reliable supply of our customers’ coal will support the local coal industry to remain strong as the global demand for coal continues to evolve.
“As the energy transition evolves over time, Port Waratah and the Hunter Valley coal industry are well-positioned to meet market demand in a highly competitive way.”