Sydney: The Australian Port of Newcastle will trial a new vessel arrival system in a bid to reduce the queue of ships waiting to be loaded. Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi says it's hoped the trial will reduce shipping costs and improve vessel safety, helping to avoid accidents like the grounding of the Pasha Bulker.
Phase one of the trial will see Newcastle Port Corporation (NPC) track the movement of vessels using satellite technology for 14 days prior to their arrival. In stage two the port will use this information to program the vessels arrival based on its location, speed and performance during the trial. Vessels will be given a recommended arrival time based on the loading date advised by the coal terminal, Port Waratah Coal Services. This will avoid the vessel having to 'race' to Newcastle.
The Port of Newcastle currently operates on a first-in, first-served basis known as a 'turn of arrival' system, which encourages vessels to travel as quickly as possible to be admitted to the queue.
"It's hoped this new system will allow coal ships to better time their arrival at the port to avoid spending time at anchor off the coast," Tripodi says.
"With a typical vessel able to reduce its fuel consumption by 40% through a 20% reduction in speed, this makes sense from both an economic and environmental view."
Newcastle Port Corporation Chief Executive, Gary Webb says new software and hardware will be received over the next two weeks ahead of next year's trial.
Tripodi insists the vessel arrival system was not an alternative to developing a long-term plan for managing coal exports from the Hunter. [11/12/08]
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Maritime News to your Google News feed.
