Transhipment

Whyalla, in the Upper Spencer Gulf of South Australia, is the base for CSL Australia’s iron ore transhipping operation, and is where we operate a barge-based operation. The operation is located at, and operates from, the OneSteel Whyalla site, for whom we export iron ore. This particular transhipping operation is unique within the Asia-Pacific region, and regularly receives industry visitors, and therefore aims to be the benchmark for all transhipping operations in our region.

The transhipping operation consists of a 96-metre Floating Offshore Transfer Barge (FOTB) Spencer Gulf, and two 118-metre, 12,000-metric-tonne deadweight Self-Unloading Barges (SUB) Barngarla and Middleback. All barges were purpose-built in China, and towed to Whyalla, arriving in early 2007. Transhipping operations commenced during the first quarter of 2007, and a minimum of two transhipments per month is now the norm. The transhipment system can tranship at rates of up to 5,000 tonnes per hour.

We have three tugs dedicated to the transhipment operation. The transhipment point is approx 8 nautical miles from Whyalla, where gulf waters are deep enough to take Capesize export ships. None of the barges have motive power, so they need to be moved at all times by tugs.

At the beginning of each transhipment, the Spencer Gulf is secured to the export ship for the duration of the transhipment. Over the course of the transhipment, the Barngarla and Middleback are shuttled between the OneSteel loading point and the transhipment point. As their designations suggest, the SUBs self-discharge onto the FOTB, which then transfers the ore, via inclined belts and a discharge chute, directly into the export ship’s holds. A typical transhipment would consist of approximately 15 barge loads of ore and take less than 4 days to complete.

The Spencer Gulf has a crew of up to 16 who stay onboard the transhipper for the duration of the transhipment.

Local management and staff are active in the Whyalla community and help support the local economy. Our corporate flag can also be seen at selected community events throughout the year, and we have developed a good relationship across the city.