OMC's DUKC System Plays Major Role at Port Hedland

In a joint effort with Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA), OMC International’s real-time DUKC e-Navigation technology helped enable the largest ever iron ore shipment to leave Port Hedland at a record sailing draft of 19.95 meters, Executive Director Dr Terry O’Brien AM said today.

“Under DUKC advice a record 270,006 tons of iron ore left Port Hedland - the world’s largest bulk export port - on the Fortescue Metals Group loaded ship HL Tubarao last Wednesday morning March 1,” he said.

“Our technology, which has been operating at Port Hedland for more than 20 years, safely allowed an increased draft of 0.70m over the traditionally conservative static rule, which meant an extra 12,000 tons of iron ore could be loaded.” 

DUKC technology, which is supported 24/7 from OMC’s Melbourne headquarters, has also assisted in enabling PPA to ship record iron ore shipments from Port Hedland in previous years. Last week’s largest ever single shipment of 270,006 tons of iron ore exceeds the previous record set by the ship CSB Years in April 2015 which loaded a total cargo of 264,858 tons under DUKC advice. It also beats the previous maximum sailing draft of 19.67 meters set by the ship Abigail N in February 2015.

“OMC is proud of this very productive working relationship with PPA and our joint efforts to find innovative working solutions to safely deliver economic and efficiency benefits when favorable conditions allow deeper drafts and/or extended tidal windows at Port Hedland,” Dr O’Brien said.