Port of Port Hedland increased iron ore exports in February 2026

This was a 13% increase compared to February 2025 and marks the third consecutive month of record throughput at the Port of Port Hedland. The three consecutive months of record throughput are December 2025, January 2026, and February 2026.

This result can be attributed to a series of targeted operational changes implemented at the Port of Port Hedland in the last financial year.

Operational changes include revised vessel movement guidelines for ebb-tide departures, creating sailing opportunities for larger vessels. Together with ongoing improvements to Dynamic Under Keel Clearance (DUKC), these changes have enabled vessels to make best advantage of available sailing windows, safely maximise cargo, and contribute to increased overall shipping volumes.

The Port of Port Hedland achieved a monthly record throughput of 40.6 mil-lion t, of which 40 million t was iron ore exports. This was an 8% increase of total throughput compared to February 2025.

Imports through the Port of Port Hedland totalled 168 000 t, a decrease of 8% compared to February 2025.

The Port of Dampier delivered a total throughput of 12.5 million t, a 25% increase on February 2025.

Imports through the Port of Dampier totalled 131 000 t, an increase of 40% on February 2025.

Several factors influence the fluctuation of throughput, including changes in market conditions, port maintenance operations and customer needs.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/18032026/port-of-port-hedland-increased-iron-ore-exports-in-february-2026/