The increased throughput was loaded 8.5mt onto 45 ships during the month is reportedly 23% higher than the previous monthly record set in May 2012.

Fortescue had earlier estimated a production rate of 90 million tonnes for the month.

Commenting on the increased production Fortescue Metal CEO Nev Power stated that the firm ended 2012 on a high despite it being a difficult year that saw a lot of volatility in the iron ore market.

"I am very excited about 2013, it is going to be a year of continued strong growth and new milestones for our company," added Power confidently.

The company, apart from the Herb Elliot Port Facility, expects a consolidated annual production of 155mtpa from the Firetail and Kings deposits.