About this report
The Port Authority of NSW Insights Report provides clear, data-driven perspectives on the vital role our ports play in supporting the NSW economy and its communities.
Drawing on quarterly operational data across key sectors including cruise tourism, energy, automotive and total pilotage movements, the report offers unique insights into freight flows through ports in NSW.
This publication is designed for government, industry partners, media and the wider community, offering a clear view of how the Port Authority of NSW continues to deliver safe, efficient and predictable marine services that keep the state moving.
March quarter quick facts
Snapshot of March quarter piloted vessel movements across the ports of New South Wales
2025/26 Q3 piloted vessel movements
| Port | Piloted vessel movements | Year on year change | Quarter on quarter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney harbour | 319 | -2.1% | 15.6% |
| Port Botany | 770 | 7.8% | 3.1% |
| Newcastle Harbour | 1075 | -5.7% | -16.1% |
| Port Kembla | 409 | -1% | -4.9% |
| Port of Eden | 38 | 0% | 18.8% |
| Port of Yamba | 6 | 100% | -53.8% |
| All ports | 2617 | -0.6% | -5.8% |
- Total piloted vessel movements were stable across New South Wales, down just 0.6% year-on-year.
- At Port Botany, piloted vessel movements were up 3.1% quarter-on-quarter and 7.8%, reinforcing its role as NSW’s primary trade gateway.
- Bulk liquid movements, including gas, fuel and liquid chemicals, were up 9.2% year-on-year and 8.3% compared to the previous quarter across the ports of New South Wales.
- Vehicle imports at Port Kembla were up 8.3% compared to the same period last year.
- Cruise movements were up 25.6% quarter-on-quarter due to the peak of the summer cruise season.
Port highlights
Piloted vessel movements in Sydney Harbour were down 2.1% compared to Q3 last year, but up 15.6% compared to the previous quarter.
The quarterly increase is due to the peakof the summer cruise season, with 217cruise vessel movements occurring between January and March 2026.
Total vessel movement in Port Botany were up 7.8% year-on-year and 3.1% compared to the previous quarter.
Bulk liquid vessel movements, including gas, fuel and liquid chemicals, were 8.1% higher than Q2.
Newcastle Harbour's piloted vessel movements were down 5.7% year-on-year and 16.1% compared to the previous quarter.
Fuel vessel movements increased 11.8% both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter.
Piloted vessel movement in Port Kembla were down 1% year-on-year and 4.9% compared to the previous quarter.
Vehicle carriers through Port Kembla rose 8.3% year-on-year, supporting broader automotive supply chains.
Piloted vessel movements in Eden were unchanged year-on-year, and up 18.8% compared to the previous quarter. This was driven by the peak of the annual cruise season, with a 45.5 % increase in cruise ship movements quarter-on-quarter.
Yamba saw six piloted arrival and departure vessels, which is an increase 53.8% compared to the previous quarter and 100% year-on-year, to limited vessels movements in the previous period. The majority of Yamba's piloted vessel movements are internal berth-to-berth movements within the port, which are not captured in arrival and departure data.
For more information contact our media team.
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