Recently, SHEN HUA 801, a bulk carrier owned by the Shipping Company, completed its task of transporting 73,300 tonnes of thermal coal from the Port of Newcastle in Australia to the Houshi Power Plant in Zhangzhou in a period of 50 days. This marks the successful establishment of the company’s vessel route for importing coal from Australia.
Since the beginning of this year, the Shipping Company has been strategically coordinating domestic and international markets and resources, advancing its international layout, and intensifying market development efforts. The operation regions for its vessels have seen continuous expansion. The company prioritized the “development of Australian route with its vessels” as a key task, concentrating resources on achieving this goal. Given that Australia is among the strictest countries in port state control (PSC) inspections, with a high vessel detention rate, the route development was particularly challenging.
After completing special repairs, SHEN HUA 801 was equipped with a ballast water management system and an electronic navigational chart (ENC) system, among other technical modifications. The vessel was also stocked with new ropes, spare parts, materials, lubricants, and other necessities. By adopting a “pre-inspection + co-inspection” approach, the company effectively addressed deficiencies and passed PSC inspections. Following six months of meticulous preparation, SHEN HUA 801 was officially assigned in May 2024 to undertake the coal transportation task from the Port of Newcastle, Australia. The company conducted an in-depth study of unique queuing and anchoring mechanisms, berth depth, channel depth, suitable vessel types, operational efficiency, and local customs of the Port of Newcastle. The company also collaborated with a meteorological navigation company to design the vessel’s route, effectively countering the threat of fast winds and high waves in the Southern ocean.
