Newcastle policy reversal

This reflects a change of mind by coal producers who last year elected to scrap a system that had helped slash queues and waiting times of vessels.

Queues have almost tripled since that decision last September.However, local sources believe that the record queues could take three months or longer to clear once the coalloading rationing is reintroduced.

The ship congestion is said to be costing the industry about A$1m a day in demurrage – a fee levied by ship owners to compensate for delays. Newcastle port has long-term plans to raise annual capacity to 120m tonnes.