AN OPERATION to transport 20,000 freight tonnes of fabricated break-bulk reclaimer components from Henderson to Port Hedland was carried out recently.
The freight was moved on AAL’s scheduled monthly Asia to Australia West Coast Liner Service for project logistics provider NMT and its client, industrial engineering giant Thyssenkrupp.
The infrastructure that was moved in the project will increase the port capacity of an iron ore mining facility in Nelson Point.
The lift, stowage and transport of these units – the largest of which was the bucketwheel boom at just under 65 metres long – was undertaken by the crew of the AAL Nanjing, working in close co-operation with AAL’s transport engineers who had been planning the operation since the start of the year.
AAL head of transport engineering Nicola Pacifico said because of the large and unconventional size of the reclaimer components, which covered a total area on the vessel of more than 1800 square metres, the lifting and stowage challenges were significant.
“The seven-month design and planning period for the operation involved AAL working alongside NMT and Thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions’ project management team, engaged in weekly online meetings from early February,” Mr Pacifico said.
“The collaboration proved successful, and the cargo was safely discharged in Port Hedland on schedule for onward transport to Nelson Point, where it will be used in the handling of iron ore.”
NMT Global Project Logistics senior project manager Jayme Bailey said, “our collaborative, team-oriented and hands-on approach proved a winning recipe for all stakeholders on this important project. Buy-in from our trusted service providers and a shared willingness to go the extra mile ensured the project was executed without issue, on-time and more importantly, on budget.”
AAL Australia general manager Frank Mueller said the local multipurpose shipping market had still been challenging since Covid, with port disruptions and labour issues affecting schedules and normal operations.
“The Australian project sector itself has also experienced upheaval and will continue to weather difficult external conditions until a possible peak of investment of $95 billion per annum in planned infrastructure between 2023-24 and 2025-26,” he said.
“We will therefore continue to ensure our services within the sector remain consistent and keep delivering for our customers despite any and all market challenges.”
