CHINA State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC), the world’s largest shipbuilder, delivered a world-class self-discharger to its owner on Tuesday, saying that the vessel holds several records in its class.

The Wontanara, a heavy self-discharger built by CSSC Chengxi Shipyard for global mining giant Rio Tinto, was delivered at the shipyard’s Yangzhou shipbuilding wharf.

According to CSSC, the vessel boasts three first-of-its-kind innovations: the most powerful shallow-water transshipment self-discharger by carrying capacity, the fastest self-unloading vessel, and the first self-discharger with bidirectional sailing capability.

Measuring 215 meters in length, 42 meters in width, and 14.5 meters in depth, the vessel has a cargo hold capacity of 29,000 cubic meters, capable of carrying 41,800 metric tons of goods. It is powered by a full diesel-electric propulsion system.

The ship underwent a 12-day sea trial in the East China Sea from late June to early July.

CSSC said in a statement that the ship’s delivery marks a critical leap for China from a follower to a global leader in the high-end self-unloading transshipment vessel sector.

A self-discharger, or self-unloader, is a ship that is able to discharge its cargo using its own onboard machinery, without relying on shore-based cranes, grabbers, or conveyor infrastructure.

Zhang Xinlong, general manager of CSSC Chengxi Shipyard, said that Rio Tinto has ordered five such self-dischargers, with Wontanara being the first unit.

“The first ship’s construction kicked off in May last year, and the 14-month delivery cycle has testified to Chengxi’s robust research and manufacturing strength in this field,” Zhang said.

“The second vessel is expected to be delivered in October, and all five will be handed over by next summer. This model features a high level of automation with a slim crew. For example, steering maneuvers can be executed by a single operator via several control levers.”

The five vessels will operate in the waters off Guinea, West Africa, serving as core transshipment equipment for the Simandou iron ore project, shuttling iron ore from shallow-water terminals to large ocean-going bulk carriers anchored at deep-water anchorages.

According to Zhang, as a key economic and trade cooperation project between China and Guinea, Simandou will supply massive volumes of high-grade iron ore to the global market once it reaches full production. The delivery of the lead ship provides solid equipment support for stable production and shipment of the world-class mining project.

(SD-Agencies)