Record grain exports sailed out of Geelong in February according to the Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VCRA).
The authority’s chief executive officer Michael Harvey said GrainCorp exported a monthly record of 393,560 tonnes from Geelong Port, thanks to new technology and a bumper crop.
“It’s all about allowing ships to carry larger cargoes,’’ he said, “that’s just what GrainCorp has achieved with its fleet of records in February.“
Mr Harvey said Dynamic Under Keel Clearance (DUKC) technology allowed the corporation to load the largest tonnages of canola, wheat and barley at Geelong Port ever.
The authority introduced the sophisticated monitoring system in early 2016 to allow ships to safely load to maximum capacity with “pin-point accuracy”, Mr Harvey said.
The system uses complex algorithms based on tides, vessel dynamics and channel dimensions to determine safe maximum loads.
GrainCorp’s Victorian Ports manager Craig Cochrane said the authority introduced the technology at the best possible time.
“Victoria has experienced a record harvest, more than three times bigger than last year, and we are seeing strong international demand for Victorian grain.”
“The DUKC technology has enabled us to load larger ships which improves the global competitiveness of Victorian grain as well as our operational efficiency.”
Mr Cochrane said GrainCorp expected to load a further 15 to 20 vessels in Geelong over the next two months subject to demand.
“It has been great working with the VRCA, and we have had very positive feedback from our international customers on the technology.’’
The VRCA introduced the DUKC technology in Corio Bay’s shipping lanes in early 2016 increasing the maximum draught from 11.6 metres to 11.9 metres.
Mr Harvey said VRCA last month aimed to increase the maximum allowable draught to 12 metres, allowing for further increases in cargo.
“Geelong is Victoria’s biggest and most important bulk port, and it’s vital it stays competitive and prosperous now and in the future,’’ he said.
February’s shipping records at Geelong Port:
* Canola – more than 61,900 tonnes;
* Wheat – almost 61,800 tonnes;
* Barley -about 62,500 tonnes;
* Highest grain export in one month – 393,560 tonnes;
* Highest total exports in one month – 412,750 tonnes of grain and woodchips.
