As of midnight on Thursday, there were 29 ships waiting in queue at the port. Over the past 24 hours 86% of the planned input had come into the port, versus only 36% against plan shipped out.

Newcastle Port spokesperson Keith Powell told Reuters ship movements were returning to normal today with two ships leaving the port last night and another this morning.

Restrictions have been in place since Wednesday.

Newcastle received 42mm of rainfall on Wednesday and 52mm on Thursday.