Solid Energy reduces coal exports

By Graeme Kennedy

Friday 12th May 2000

Solid Energy has suspended its barged export coal operation out of Westport after three years of successful trading to Port Kembla.

International manager Tony King said the company's contract to supply West Coast coal was not due to expire until June next year and would continue to be supplied from coal stockpiled at the southern New South Wales port.

The tug and barge sailings from Westport could resume within several months, he said, depending on demand. The operation shifted about 160,000 tonnes of coal a year to Australia.

But the Port Kembla coal trade has become depressed, with several mines in the area closed and the area's own export contracts re-negotiated with a subsequent reduced requirement for West Coast coal.

Mr King said he wanted to rebuild business through POrt Kembla - "it's been good for us," he said.

Meanwhile, Solid Energy was on schedule to set a new export record with more than 1.5 million tonnes shipped to North Asia this year.

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