Mineral Resources has made its first iron ore shipment from the newly-commissioned Utah Point berth at Port Hedland.

MinRes said the 71,500 tonne shipment was dispatched today.

The company plans to ship iron ore and manganese through Utah Point, which was officially opened earlier this week, although Atlas Iron began shipping ore through the port last month.

MinRes managing director Peter Wade said Utah Point would allow the group to take advantage of the growing global demand for Australia's resources.