The economic downturn failed to dampen throughput rates at the ports in Dampier and Port Hedland, which both reported record tonnages for the 2009 financial year.
Both ports are the world's two largest bulk export ports, with Port Hedland taking the upper hand.
In the 2009 financial year, Port Hedland reported a throughput rate of 159.39 million tonnes, with iron ore dominating the tonnages with 153.89mt.
Dampier's throughput rate increased 5 per cent on the previous year to 140.8mt, comprising mainly of iron ore at 116mt.
The Dampier Port Authority, celebrating 20 years of operation, reported a net profit of $2.68 million, a pleasing result given the economic crisis that lasted for much of the reporting period, the authority said in its report.
Revenue was steady at $26.76 million.
The Port Hedland Port Authority reported a net profit after tax of $56 million, which was significantly boosted by a $73.4 million contribution from users for the construction of the Utah Point berth and tug pen access modifications.
In its report, the Port Hedland Authority said it expects the $225 million Utah Point multi-user berth to be completed in mid 2010, a delay of about one year from original estimates.
Meantime, negotiations to allocate Hancock Prospecting two berths in South West Creek with a capacity of 55mt each year are proceeding.
