Mineral Resources' (MinRes) Onslow Iron teams have celebrated a significant milestone with first loading of a Newcastlemax ship at the Port of Ashburton.
A Newcastlemax is the next size of bulk carrier after a Capesize vessel and has an intake of about 190,000-210,000 wet metric tonnes (wmt) with a maximum beam (width) of 50m and a maximum overall length of 300m.
In November, a total of 203,100wmt was successfully loaded onto the MV Mount Aconcagua, representing 22,900wmt more than any previous shipment from Onslow Iron’s anchorage at the Port of Ashburton.
MinRes' innovative transhippers commenced loading cargo onto the vessel on 10 November with completion achieved on 13 November. Despite the larger vessel size, this was the fastest turnaround time for any vessel loaded at its Ashburton anchorage to date.
MV Mount Aconcagua is also the first LNG-powered bulk vessel charted by MinRes, which reduces associated carbon emissions by around 425 tonnes when compared to traditional vessels powered by heavy fuel oil.
The step up to Newcastlemax vessels comes just six months after Onslow Iron achieved first ore on ship, an achievement MinRes Shipping Manager Gus Couani said was a proud moment for the business.
“We're excited to have reached this milestone by successfully loading the first Newcastlemax vessel just six months since commissioning the first ore in May on Mini-Cape vessels," Gus said.
"This achievement will open up the rest of the global Newcastlemax fleet, which allows for more vessel flexibility and reduced cost.
MinRes' marine and shipping teams play an integral role in Onslow Iron’s innovative pit-to-ship operations, supporting the projects current ramp-up to 35Mtpa.
Learn more about the Onslow Iron project.
