Today NCIG was thrilled to successfully complete the loading of the Shofu Maru. This follows its maiden voyage into the Port of Newcastle yesterday, where we had the pleasure of welcoming the crew and the vessel to our shores. We also welcomed representatives from Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), the ship owner, to our operation for a site visit and to watch the final stages of the vessel being loaded prior to its departure.
The Shofu Maru is the first bulk carrier vessel to use the Wind Challenger hard sail technology that harnesses the wind to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Developed by MOL and its partner Oshima Shipbuilding, the technology will enable the oceanic transport industry to operate more sustainably in the future.
Huge thanks to our amazing operational capability and customer assurance teams who worked with BHP, Port of Newcastle, Port Authority NSW and MOL to safely and successfully load the vessel at our wharf facility.