The annual Shiploader Illumination Project invites the community to experience the colourful lights throughout July.

Since commencing operations in 1976, Port Waratah has played a critical role in exporting high-quality Hunter Valley coal to destinations around the world. From an initial capacity of 16 million tonnes per annum, the Carrington Terminal’s service capacity expanded to 25 million tonnes from 1982. Kooragang Terminal services began in 1984 and since that time the organisation has grown significantly to 145 million tonnes across our Carrington and Kooragang terminals.

Over the past decade, Port Waratah’s average annual terminal throughput has been around 100 million tonnes of coal export a year. The majority of exports are destined for South-East Asia, with key markets in Japan, China and Taiwan.

This year’s illumination project also celebrates Port Waratah’s long-standing relationship with The Mission to Seafarers Newcastle, an organisation with long history in the Port, operating for 153 years. The Mission to Seafarers Newcastle provides welfare services and chaplaincy for crews visiting the Port of Newcastle.

The International Day of the Seafarer is held on the 25th of June every year to recognise the essential role seafarers play in trade across global seas. This year, the International Maritime Organization aims to highlight the hardship, pressure and risks of life at sea, especially in high-risk and conflict-affected areas, while acknowledging seafarers’ expert skills and their essential role in keeping global trade moving.

Port Waratah Manager Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Trudie Larnach, said the milestone was an opportunity to celebrate both operational achievements and community partnerships.

“Our organisations have been working together since the beginning of Port Waratah.” said Ms Larnach.

“Our employees and local community feel very connected to the Mission to Seafarers and the work they do to support international seafarers during their time at Newcastle Port. We are proud to recognise seafarers and their contribution to global trade.

“It is very fitting to celebrate our 50th-year milestone alongside a long standing and connected community partner.”

The Carrington Shiploaders will be lit up in rotating Port Waratah colours of blue, yellow, orange and green until Friday 31 July.

This year marks Port Waratah’s ninth Shiploader Illumination Project, which has become a signature initiative for raising awareness and support for community organisations. The initiative forms part of Port Waratah’s Community Investment and Partnership Programme, which invests $850,000 annually into local projects and services creating positive impacts within our community. To find out more about our community partnerships, visit pwcs.com.au/our-partners.

Photo credit: Dave Williams