Planning Loading-Discharging Sequence (Port Hedland)

📋 Planning Loading-Discharging Sequence – Case Study: Port Hedland

Proper planning of loading or discharging sequence is a critical task for every vessel, especially when operating under strict port conditions like those at Port Hedland. In this article, we highlight the importance of accurate calculation, effective trim control, and coordinated ballast operations.

⚠️ Why Planning the Sequence Matters

Whether loading or discharging, the sequence must:

• Maintain safe trim and stability

• Match the terminal loading/discharging rate

• Coordinate with the vessel’s ballast capabilities

• Comply with port restrictions and draft limits

Failure to plan properly can lead to:

• Delays or stoppages

• Unsafe drafts or excessive trim

• Damage to cargo handling equipment

• Rejections or fines from terminals or authorities

  
  

🚢 Case Study: Loading at Port Hedland (Capesize Bulk Carrier)

Port Hedland is one of the busiest iron ore loading ports in the world, with a typical loading rate of 5,000–6,000 MT/hour. Given such a high rate, trim and deballasting must be handled with precision.

📏 Arrival Requirements:

• FWD draft must be 7.00 meters on arrival

• Trim must not exceed 0.7% of LOA

• Air draft must not exceed 17 meters

For a Capesize vessel, this means careful pre-arrival trimming and ballasting.

⚙️ Best Arrival Condition Based on Experience

From our practical operations, we’ve found the most efficient condition is:

✅ Heavier ballast in Hold No. 4 (CH4)

✅ All possible DBT / TST tanks empty and stripped

Why?

• Pumping out CH4 ballast is faster and easier than stripping multiple double bottom/top side tanks

• Saves valuable time in a high-rate port with short port stays

• Reduces risk of delays due to stripping failures or slow pump performance

  ❗ Important: Avoid arriving with CH4 empty if your goal is to speed up operations. CH4 full and other tanks empty is generally more effective.

  
  

🛠️ System Limitations to Consider

Some ballast system design does not allow simultaneous deballasting and stripping, as both functions share the same ballast pumps.

This creates an operational bottleneck:

• If many DBT or TST tanks require stripping, deballasting becomes significantly slower

• CH4 ballast, on the other hand, can be pumped out efficiently without stripping needs

  
  

🧠 Strategic Tip

Prioritize ballasting in CH4 instead of DBT/TST tanks before arrival at Port Hedland to simplify and speed up operations.

⚓ Critical Note on Trim Behavior During Loading

If at any point during loading the vessel begins to trim by the bow, this may lead to a critical situation for deballasting. Once the ship loses stern trim, the ability to pump out ballast becomes severely limited.

If the vessel is trimmed by head, and deballasting is still in progress:

• Immediate reduction or temporary stop of loading is strongly recommended

• This is necessary to allow the ship to regain a normal trim suitable for ballast discharge

  ⚠️ If you continue loading while trimmed by bow, deballasting will become ineffective and operations may stall.

✅ Always monitor trim trend during high-rate loading and be ready to pause operation to maintain pump efficiency.

📄 Real Example and Documentation

Attached below is a real sequence form from Port Hedland Terminal used during operation.

📎 Note: Revisions to this form are possible. Always ensure you have the latest version from

the terminal when preparing for Port Hedland.

📌 Final Notes

Proper loading/discharging planning must take into account:

• Port-specific requirements (draft/trim restrictions)

• Ballast pump capacity and limitations

• Deballasting/stripping sequencing

• Loader rate vs. pumping capability

  
  

At Port Hedland, with its fast loading and strict trim requirement, arriving with CH4 full and DBTs empty provides the best balance between compliance and operational efficiency.

💬 Share Your Experience Have you loaded at Port Hedland or a similar high-speed port?👉 Log in to your Master Work Station account and leave a comment below to help others optimize their operations.

💡 Proper planning saves hours, prevents delays, and ensures safer loading every time.

PMI Port Hedland Loading Sequence (7 Cargo Holds)_Jan 2024.xlsx

Download XLSX • 64KB

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