The Pilbara Ports in Western Australia handled 67.9 million tonnes of cargo in January 2026, a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2025, setting a new record for the highest January throughput in the port's history. This growth is primarily attributed to operational optimization measures implemented at Port Hedland, including adjustments to the departure procedures during ebb tides, which created additional sailing windows for 10 large vessels.

Enhancements in dynamic under-keel clearance technology further improved vessel utilization efficiency, allowing more cargo to be loaded within available time windows. Port Hedland handled 50 million tonnes of cargo in January, of which 49.2 million tonnes were iron ore exports, representing a 7% year-on-year increase; import volume reached 220,000 tonnes, a 60% rise compared to the same period last year. Dampier Port handled 14.1 million tonnes of cargo during the same period, a 19% increase from January 2025, with imports amounting to 122,000 tonnes, up 6%.

Pilbara Ports noted that monthly throughput remains subject to market conditions, maintenance schedules, and demand fluctuations. As a Western Australian Government Trading Enterprise, the agency operates under the Port Authorities Act 1999, managing Port Ashburton, Dampier Port, Port Hedland, and Varanus Island Port, and is responsible for maritime activities, port facilities, and asset maintenance in the Pilbara region.