Freight Transport in Western Australia 

The Fremantle Port is the fourth largest container port in Australia and contributes more than $1.5 billion in value to the economy of Western Australia every year. More than 2000 people are directly employed, and economic activity at the port generates the equivalent of almost 4000 full time jobs indirectly in Western Australia. Approximately 2000 ships visit the Fremantle Port every year and the value of trade in the year 2016-17 was in excess of $26 billion and 35 million mass tonnes. The port handles a wide range of freight such as dry and liquid bulk, non-containerised cargo, vehicles and livestock.

Iron ore is Australia’s top export, far ahead of the second highest which is coal. In 2016 iron ore exports accounted for over $10 million more than coal. Most of this is mined in Western Australia. Rio Tinto operates twelve iron ore mines, BHP Billiton seven, Fortescue two and these are all situated in the Pilbara region of north west Australia. Transporting the iron from the mines to the ports for export has always been a challenge.

Currently there are four separate railways that are used to move the iron ore in the Pilbara region. These railways have tested the boundaries of wheel-rail interface and led to a lot of research which has benefited railways across the globe. Several other iron ore lines have been proposed in recent years, one of which plans to be accessible to any iron ore mine that would like to use it.

Increasing demand for iron ore is forcing stake holders to look at transport solutions. Rio Tinto, for example announced plans in 2010 to increase its capacity to 230 million tonnes per year by developing the railway lines that link its iron ore mines to Dampier.

Need a quote for transport to, from or within Western Australia? Get in touch with us today for a competitive Freight Quote Australia!