MinRes transhipper fleet expands to four-strong

Mineral Resources’ (ASX: MIN) transhipping operation at Onslow Iron has welcomed its newest addition, with the MinRes Rosily entering service as the fourth vessel in its growing fleet.

The 123m, 20,000t capacity transhipper arrived in Exmouth in February before completing a successful testing and commissioning phase off the coast of Onslow. It now joins MinRes ships Airlie, Coolibah and Bundarra, all working to support the project’s staged ramp-up to its 35mtpa nameplate capacity.

MinRes executive marine general manager Jeff Weber says the arrival marked another key step in the project’s delivery.

“Our transhipping operation is an integral component of Onslow Iron’s innovative transport solution that has unlocked stranded iron ore deposits in the West Pilbara,” he said.

“It’s exciting to welcome the fourth transhipper to the fleet, with all vessels playing a critical role in the project’s ramp up. In the coming months we will welcome our fifth vessel, which will complete our initial fleet and set us up as the largest and most sophisticated transhipping operation in Australia.”

Built with a loaded draft of just 7m, MinRes transhippers are designed to operate without the need for a deep-water port. The vessels load iron ore at the fully enclosed Port of Ashburton facility and sail 40km offshore to transfer cargo to ocean-going carriers — helping to reduce environmental impact while enabling safe, efficient export of ore from the Ken’s Bore mine.

Supported by two crew transfer vessels, the custom-designed marine operation forms part of a broader logistics chain that encompasses enclosed haulage and port infrastructure. Together, they ensure the dust-free delivery of product from pit to port.

The MinRes Rosily brings MinRes one step closer to completing its five-vessel fleet, solidifying Onslow Iron’s reputation as a pioneering project redefining iron ore export from the Pilbara.