COSCO Shipping Vessel Sails Through The New Bohai Sea Channel

On 22 September, a vessel named “MV YUAN JIN HAI” operated by COSCO SHIPPING Bulk, reportedly sailed via a new channel in the Bohai Sea (central zone) with a complete load and then safely berthed in Caofeidian Port Area’s No. 5 Ore Terminal in Tangshan Port.

The vessel reportedly marked the introduction of the “new channel” for 400,000-TEU giant ships to get into and exit from the deep-water route of the Bohai Sea.

MV YUAN JIN HAI, loaded with about 390,200 tons of iron ore, broke three records of highest cargo volume, draught, and deadweight tonnage for super-large dry bulk carriers reportedly berthing at the port.

As the most giant super-large dry bulk vessel in the world, MV YUAN JIN HAI is a vessel that was specially designed by COSCO SHIPPING Bulk, especially for transporting iron ore.

For many years, owing to the restrictions placed on the Bohai Bay shipping channel, it has been a significant challenge for 400,000-TEU super-large vessels to realize the full-load direct call to the Caofeidian Port.

To empower vessels to exit and safely enter Bohai Bay with a 100% load, COSCO SHIPPING Bulk reportedly investigated the hydro-meteorological conditions, pilotage berthing, and navigation control associated with the port, local maritime bureau, and pilot stations.

By making necessary initial arrangements via onshore-offshore cooperation, the firm eventually identified a new route with a water depth capable of meeting the safe navigation requirements of 400,000-TEU vessels with a full load, thereby making the berthing of the vessel MV YUAN JIN HAI possible.

References: Dry Bulk Magazine