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A new record was set for the Hunter Valley rail network on Saturday 22 January when, in excess of 280,000 tonnes of export coal was carried across the ARTC Hunter Valley network to the Port of Newcastle.” David Marchant CEO of Australian Rail Track Corporation said today.
“ARTC managed 55 coal services in addition to all other freight and passenger services running on the network and at the same time was able to conduct two planned maintenance programs. The availability and high reliability of the ARTC network allowed this level to be achieved.”
“The tonnage on Saturday was an important part of the overall requirement to transport a total of 84.3 million tonnes for the calendar year for Hunter Valley coal chain export producers. It is extremely pleasing that the infrastructure is matching current demand.” This amount of export coal carried in one day represents an annualised capacity of in excess of 102 million tonnes per annum.
“This was an excellent result for the export coal producers of the Hunter Valley.”
“It is also good news for operators with efficiencies derived from track maintenance programs able to support operators in their cycling of crew and rolling stock utilisation.”
“It was a great team effort by everyone and highlights that the rail infrastructure is solid in its capacity to deliver and manage export coal requirements.” David Marchant said.