New dawn for Geraldton port as Rising Sun breaks records

The largest vessel to berth at the port has also broken an iron ore cargo loading record.

The 91,521 tonne ship Rising Sun passed the record of 74,500 tonnes about 10am today and is set to reach almost 85,000 tonnes at full capacity this afternoon.

The 235 metre by 43 metre vessel is the first in a live trial for larger vessels to berth at the port after a request was made by Karara Mining in 2017.

Mid West Ports Authority marine pilot Shannon Nicholson today said bigger vessels would be better for port customers in the future.

“This will be more cost-effective for Karara Mining by reducing the amount of dead freight,” he said.

It will take 13 trains of 102 carriages each to load the vessel, which is set to depart the port this afternoon.

The ship lowered one centimetre for every 90 tonnes loaded, in comparison to the usual Panamax vessels which lowered one centimetre for every 60 tonnes.

Mr Nicholson said after the success of the first trial it would be possible these larger vessels could become standard.

“We will be conducting further trials in different environmental conditions, including wind and current strengths and angles,” he said.