The potential for Port Hedland to export large numbers is significant, especially as it is the most northern port in Australia outside the Bluetongue Zone that could service China.
- Port Hedland Export Depot owner Paul Brown
IT has been a win-win situation for all concerned since cattle shipments resumed from Port Hedland, WA, in September.
Port Hedland Export Depot owner Paul Brown saw almost 5000 head of cattle pass through the depot in two lots - one consisting of 2000 head in September, and the other in mid October which saw 2900, including 500 breeder heifers - both bound for Indonesia.
Mr Brown said the potential for Port Hedland as an export port for large numbers was significant, especially with it being the most northern port in Australia outside of the Bluetongue Zone that could service China.
The Pilbara Ports Authority live export manager Jon Giles said the addition of the new cattle loading ramp, an investment worth about $300,000, it gave the port the ability to cater for large numbers of livestock at various tidal depths.
The ramp was designed to load ships at lower tides and could line up with both decks of the trailer for onloading.