Zhoushan Maritime Authorities Transport 400,000 Tons of Iron Ore in 72 Hours Nonstop

Due to the impact of Typhoon "Saudel," the meteorological and sea conditions in the Zhoushan sea area have continued to tighten. The Zhoushan Maritime Safety Administration has precisely seized the limited operational window before the typhoon's arrival, balancing safety and supply assurance, and has made every effort to expedite the unloading of key iron ore materials to ensure the stability of the regional industrial chain.

On August 25, under the escort of the vessel "Haixun 07331," the bulk carrier "New Century 168" rushed to load 49,000 tons of iron ore before the typhoon's impact. It safely departed from the Zhoushan Wugang Iron Ore Transfer Terminal before the typhoon's arrival and headed to its next port, the Lusi Steel Plant in Nantong, Jiangsu.

Frequent typhoon activity in recent times, combined with strong market demand for freight, has led to a surge in orders at the Zhoushan Wugang Terminal, tight berthing availability, and increased pressure on ship departures. As an important iron ore transfer hub in the Yangtze River Delta, the terminal's material transfer efficiency is crucial to the production of regional industrial and mining enterprises. Concentrated replenishment of ore before the typhoon's arrival is key to stabilizing the regional mineral supply chain.

Faced with the tight schedule, heavy tasks, and significant pressure, the maritime department has proactively provided services, implemented precise measures to alleviate difficulties and ensure supply, closely monitored typhoon developments in real time, actively coordinated with the terminal to assess ship schedules and organize operational plans, and opened a "green channel" for iron ore transportation. By optimizing berth scheduling, adjusting the order of ship arrivals and departures, and implementing the "four priorities" measures for cargo ships, they have minimized ship turnaround times and improved terminal operational efficiency. "We are closely monitoring typhoon developments, coordinating with terminals and transport vessels in advance to seize the limited operational window for transporting iron ore, and have established an exclusive 'green channel' for transportation to ensure uninterrupted steel production in the Yangtze River Delta and along the Yangtze River," explained maritime law enforcement officer Le Yuan.

While accelerating supply assurance, strict safety standards are being upheld. Comprehensive inspections of key facilities and equipment on operational vessels, such as communication and navigation systems, radar equipment, firefighting and lifesaving equipment, and mooring ropes, are being conducted to identify and rectify potential risks. This ensures a closed-loop risk management process and builds a comprehensive safety barrier for maritime operations, ensuring the safe and orderly progress of the unloading work.

The precise services provided by the maritime department have effectively resolved bottlenecks in port clearance. "Recently, typhoons have been hitting in quick succession, leading to a high concentration of shipments from cargo owners, congestion of ships waiting at the terminal, and immense pressure on port clearance," said Chen Jin, the dispatch manager of the Production Safety and Environmental Protection Department at Zhejiang Zhoushan Wugang Terminal Co., Ltd. "The maritime department's opening of the 'green channel' has effectively ensured the timely berthing and departure of ships, greatly alleviating the pressure on terminal turnover." Data shows that the terminal handled 400,000 tons of iron ore within 72 hours, with operational efficiency increasing by more than 20% compared to normal days.

As of 6:00 PM on August 25, after 72 hours of continuous transportation efforts, the Liuheng Maritime Office successfully ensured the safe loading and unloading of 400,000 tons of iron ore at the terminals within its jurisdiction. This effectively filled the gap in regional ore reserves and provided strong maritime support for stabilizing the mineral supply chain for steel plants along the Yangtze River.