Australia’s mining industry could be a fertile ground for Swire Projects, a projects and heavy lift shipping unit of Swire Shipping. The company has recently completed its first voyage to the land down under and is already planning to position more vessels in the region. 

The first voyage was completed to Western Australia, carrying 88 ore cars (wagons) for one of the world-leading resources companies, BHP. The vessel utilised for the job was the 19,000-deadweight heavy lift multipurpose vessel, Johnnie Bryan, with lifting capacity of up to 480 metric tons.

The vessel departed Dalian, China and arrived in Port Hedland, Australia, completing discharge operations in January 2023.

Positioning more MPPs to the region

This marks a major milestone for Swire Projects as it looks to expand its services to the Western Australian region, the company’s statement reads. It plans to position more vessels on regular sailings to the region in the near future, providing reliable and efficient shipping services to its clients.

“We are thrilled to be making our first voyage to Western Australia and are committed to supporting the growth of this important region,” said Namir Khanbabi, General Manager of Swire Projects. “We look forward to providing our clients with the highest level of service as we expand our presence in the region.”

Swire Projects fleet expansion

Before the end of last year, the heavy lift shipping unit expanded its fleet to 15 vessels as it signed a number deals to charter more tonnage. At the end of 2021, the company secured the services of six multipurpose heavy lift vessels on a long-term charter with Nordic Project & Finance. Three more vessels were added to the fleet mid-2022 under a long-term agreement with shipowner R. Braren.