Australia's Newcastle coal shipments continue to decline
Weekly coal shipments from the Australian port of Newcastle continued to decline in the week ending 21 January, according to port authority data, but stocks are also meagre at port terminals.
Coal shipped over the seven-day period decreased by 9.7%, to 2.8m tonnes week on week, Newcastle Port Corporation said on Monday.
A total of 28 vessels entered the port over the seven-day period, one fewer than a week earlier. The average waiting time was reduced to 5.34 days from 6.58.
However, 50 ships have been allocated a notified arrival time - five more than a week earlier, suggesting an uptick in shipments is likely this week.
Despite fewer vessels over the week, stock piles at the two coal terminals operated by Port Waratah Coal Services at Newcastle dipped by nearly a quarter week on week, to 0.88m tonnes, on 20 January, according to rail line operator Hunter Valley Coal Chain Coordinator.
Stores could be reduced further as Hunter Valley coal train drivers working for transport company Pacific National have voted to strike over the weekend, according to Australian media reports. Dates for the looming strike have yet to be decided. FOR
Other Related Stories
