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.
December quarter quick facts
Snapshot of December quarter piloted vessel movements across the ports of New South Wales
2025/26 Q2 piloted vessel movements
| Port | Piloted vessel movements | Year on year change | Quarter on quarter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney harbour | 264 | -6.7% | 74.8% |
| Port Botany | 747 | -4.7% | -2% |
| Newcastle Harbour | 1281 | 4.4% | 4.4% |
| Port Kembla | 430 | 3.4% | -1.8% |
| Port of Eden | 32 | 33% | 220% |
| Port of Yamba | 13 | 160% | 8.3% |
| All ports | 2767 | 1.0% | 6% |
- Eden piloted vessel movements rose 33% year-on-year and 220% on the previous quarter, driven by cruise season demand.
- At Port Botany, container vessel movements were steady, up 4.5% quarter-on-quarter, reinforcing its role as NSW’s primary trade gateway.
- Trade volumes strengthened across the state, with Newcastle wheat vessel movements up 221.1% year-on-year and vehicle imports through Port Kembla rising 14.2%, supporting automotive supply chains.
Port highlights
Piloted vessel movements in Sydney Harbour were down 6.7% compared to Q2 last year, but up 74.8% compared to the previous quarter.
The quarterly increase is due to the start of the summer cruise season, with 175 cruise vessel movements occurring between October and December 2025.
Total vessel movement in Port Botany were down 4.7% year-on-year and 2% compared to the previous quarter.
Container vessel movements were 4.5% higher than Q1.
Newcastle Harbour's piloted vessel movements were up 4.4% both year-on-year and compared to the previous quarter.
Agricultural commodities vessel movements increased 221.1% year-on-year and 45.2% quarter-on-quarter.
Piloted vessel movement in Port Kembla were up 3.4% year-on-year and down 1.8% compared to the previous quarter.
Vehicle carriers through Port Kembla rose 14 per cent year-on-year, supporting broader automotive supply chains.
Piloted vessel movements in Eden increased 33.3% year-on-year, and 220% compared to the previous quarter. This was driven by the start of the annual cruise season, with a 37.5% increase in cruise ship movements year-on-year.
Piloted vessel movements were up 160% year on year and 8.3% compared to the previous quarter.
For more information contact our media team.
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