Recently, the bulk carrier SHEN HUA 801, owned by the Shipping Company, successfully 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 within 50 days. This accomplishment marks the successful establishment of the company’s vessel route for importing coal from Australia.
Since the beginning of the year, the Shipping Company has been strategically coordinating domestic and international markets and resources, advancing its international presence, and intensifying market development efforts. The operation regions for its vessels have continuously expanded. The company prioritized the development of the Australian route as a key task, concentrating resources to achieve this goal. Given that Australia has some of the strictest port state control (PSC) inspections and a high vessel detention rate, developing this route was particularly challenging.
After undergoing special repairs, SHEN HUA 801 was equipped with a ballast water management system, an electronic navigational chart (ENC) system, and 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 the port’s unique queuing and anchoring mechanisms, berth depth, channel depth, suitable vessel types, operational efficiency, and local customs. Additionally, the company 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.
