Pt Hedland PA applauded on possible world record iron ore shipment

22/2/96

Transport Minister Eric Charlton has applauded Port Hedland Port Authority for achieving a possible world record shipment of 500,000 tonnes of iron ore on the one tide.

Mr Charlton said three ships carrying a total 499,123 tonnes left BHP Iron Ore berths at Nelson Point and Finucane Island on February 11 within two-and-a-half hours of each other bound for Japan and Korea.

The 'Pos Bravery' with 205,374 tonnes to Korea, the 'Seto' with 149,704 tonnes and 'Dyna Gemini' with 144,045 tonnes to Japan, eclipsed by 90,000 tonnes the previous best tidal record through the port.

Mr Charlton said the remarkable increase in throughput by the Port Hedland Port Authority had been achieved through a combination of factors - BHP making huge productivity gains since the establishment of its new South Yard stockpile facilities - and the Port Authority itself.

"PHPA has worked smarter to accommodate BHP's productivity increase, with port throughput growing from 42.8 million tonnes in 1990-91 to 60.3 million tonnes in1994-95," he said.

Port Authority General Manager Captain Ian Baird said the record had been achieved through gains made from the ongoing review of shipping movements and the resulting gain of several thousand tidal berthing hours, together with the motivation of private company marine pilots to perform extremely well.

Mr Charlton said it was clear the Port Hedland Port Authority would remain a world leader in the movement of shipping in strong tidal waters and the commissioning of BHP's nearby briquette iron plant in the Pilbara in the near future would secure that position.

Media contact: Ian Hasleby 321 7333 or 222 9595