UN/LOCODE: AUHPT📍 Australia
Port of Hay Point (UN/LOCODE AUHPT)
❖ Coordinates: -21.3056°N, 149.2922°E
❖ Time Zone: Australia/Brisbane
❖ UN/LOCODE: AUHPT
## About the Port
Hay Point (UN/LOCODE **AUHPT**) is a purpose‑built bulk‑cargo terminal on the central coast of Queensland, Australia. Situated at **‑21.3055785 °S, 149.2921629 °E**, the port lies within the Australian Eastern Standard Time zone (Australia/Brisbane, UTC +10). Its deep‑water berths, sheltered natural harbor, and proximity to the Bowen Basin coal fields make Hay Point one of the world’s most significant coal export gateways. The terminal is operated by the Hay Point Port Authority under a long‑term concession granted by the Queensland Government, and it complies with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards for safety, environmental protection, and pilotage. The port’s strategic location – 950 km north of Brisbane and 200 km south of Mackay – positions it at the nexus of regional rail infrastructure, coastal shipping lanes, and global commodity markets.
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## History
### Early Development (1970‑1990)
The concept of a dedicated coal export point at Hay Point emerged in the early 1970s, driven by the rapid expansion of the Bowen Basin mining sector. Initial feasibility studies identified the natural deep water (up to 20 m) and the relatively low tidal range as ideal conditions for handling Panamax‑size vessels. Construction of the first berth began in 1978 under the auspices of the Queensland Government’s *Coal Port Development* program, and commercial operations started in 1982, handling an estimated **16 Mt** of coal in the inaugural year.
### Expansion Era (1990‑2015)
A series of ownership changes and joint ventures in the 1990s spurred major upgrades. In 1995, a 3 km railway spur linking the Newlands and Goonyella mines was commissioned, dramatically increasing throughput capacity. The turn of the millennium saw the installation of a **120‑metre‑wide conveyor system** and the conversion of two berths to accommodate **Capesize** vessels (up to 180,000 DWT). By 2010, Hay Point handled over **180 Mt** of coal annually, ranking in the top three Australian coal export ports.
### Recent Modernisation (2015‑Present)
In response to stricter environmental regulations and the growing demand for ultra‑large vessels, the port authority embarked on a **$1.3 billion refurbishment** in 2017. Key components included the installation of a *dust‑suppression* system, implementation of a **Port Community System (PCS)** for real‑time cargo tracking, and the construction of a **new 2,500 m² customs inspection facility**. These upgrades have helped Hay Point maintain a **99.8 % on‑time departure rate** and reduced vessel turnaround time by **12 %**.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
| Facility | Specification | Operational Notes |
|----------|---------------|-------------------|
| **Berths** | 3 berths; water depth 20 m @ LR + 0.5 m | Designed for Capesize, Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) and container vessels (occasional). |
| **Loading Equipment** | 2 dual‑belt coal loaders, 6 m conveyor width, 6 km of conveyor network | Capable of loading up to **12 kt** per hour per berth. |
| **Rail Links** | 4 km of dedicated rail to the North Coast Line; electrified 25 kV | Handles ~ 30 million tonnes of bulk cargo annually. |
| **Storage Yards** | 6 Mt of open‑pit coal stockpiles; 2 Mt covered storage for granular commodities | Equipped with automated stacker‑reclaimers and GPS‑based inventory monitoring. |
| **Support Services** | Pilotage (24‑hour), tug assistance (2 tugs, 60 t max), mooring buoys, firefighting water monitors | Operates under **Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)** guidelines. |
| **Customs & Security** | Integrated PCS, 24‑hour customs clearance, ISO 28000 security management system | Enables seamless data exchange with ship operators and freight forwarders. |
| **Environmental Controls** | Closed‑loop dust extraction, storm‑water treatment plant (0.5 ML/day), wildlife habitat buffer zones | Compliance with Queensland’s **Environmental Protection Act 1994**. |
The port’s **pilotage zone** extends 10 nm from the entrance, with the Hay Point Pilot Association providing mandatory pilotage for vessels exceeding 30 m draft. Tug assistance is coordinated through an **AIS‑linked dispatch system**, ensuring optimal allocation based on vessel size and weather conditions.
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## Economic Importance
Hay Point is a linchpin of Queensland’s export‑driven economy. In the 2023‑24 financial year, the terminal shipped **≈ 190 Mt** of coal, generating **AU$ 9.5 billion** in export revenues—approximately **4.8 %** of Australia’s total commodity earnings. The port directly sustains **≈ 1,500** full‑time positions, ranging from stevedore crews and rail operators to environmental compliance specialists. Indirect employment, including logistics, engineering, and ancillary services, exceeds **5,000 jobs**, contributing an estimated **AU$ 3.2 billion** to the regional Gross State Product (GSGP).
Beyond coal, Hay Point has diversified into **copper concentrate, nickel ore, and timber** handling, aligning with the Australian Government’s “Resource Transition” roadmap. The terminal’s ability to accommodate **Capesize** vessels (up to 180 000 DWT) reduces shipping costs per tonne, enhancing the competitiveness of Queensland’s mineral exports in Asian markets. Moreover, the port’s **low carbon footprint initiatives**—including a **10 % renewable electricity mix** sourced from nearby solar farms—position it favorably for future **green shipping** mandates.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Export Routes
| Destination | Distance (nm) | Typical Vessel Type | Avg. Load |
|-------------|---------------|---------------------|----------|
| **Japan (Nagasaki, Tokyo)** | 4,800 | Capesize | 150 kt |
| **South Korea (Ulsan, Busan)** | 4,500 | Capesize | 140 kt |
| **China (Qingdao, Shanghai)** | 5,000 | Capesize | 155 kt |
| **Taiwan (Keelung)** | 4,600 | Capesize | 145 kt |
The port’s **south‑eastward shipping lanes** intersect the **East Asian maritime corridor**, a primary artery for bulk energy commodities. Regular sailings occur **4–5 times per week**, with **average voyage duration of 20–24 days** to East Asian ports, depending on weather and bunker fuel costs.
### Secondary Cargo
* **Copper Concentrate:** Exported mainly to **Chile** and **Japan** via **handysize** and **medium‑range (MR)** vessels.
* **Nickel Ore:** Shipped to **South Korea** and **Indonesia**, typically on **cutter suction dredgers (CSD) and bulk carriers**.
* **Timber & Pulp:** Occasional **re‑exports** to **Southeast Asian** markets, leveraging the port’s flexible berth configurations.
### Emerging Trade Corridors
In response to the **Pacific‑Northwest trade surge**, Hay Point is trialing **direct sailings to the United States West Coast (Los Angeles, Seattle)**, targeting the **lignite‑to‑steel** market niche. Early feasibility studies indicate a **30‑day round‑trip** and a potential diversification of the cargo mix beyond traditional Asian destinations.
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**References**
- Australian Government – Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. *Port performance statistics 2024*. https://www.infrastructure.gov.au (accessed July 2026).
- MarineTraffic. *Live vessel traffic and port calls at Hay Point, AU*. https://www.marinetraffic.com (accessed July 2026).
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
AUHPT
Country
Australia
Province / Region
Queensland
Latitude
-21.305578
Longitude
149.292163
Timezone
Australia/Brisbane
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Hay Point?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Hay Point is AUHPT.
Where is Port of Hay Point located?
The Port of Hay Point is located in Australia, Queensland. Its coordinates are -21.3056°N, 149.2922°E.
What time zone is Port of Hay Point in?
Port of Hay Point operates in the Australia/Brisbane time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.56 m
Wave Direction149°
Swell Height0.26 m
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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