KOOLAN

• AUKOI
• Latitude: -16.1491
• Longitude: 123.748
• North Australia
• Port in Australia

Location: Koolan Island Western Australia Australia

Koolan Island is located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and is primarily known for its iron ore mining operations. Here's a detailed description and some specifications of the marine port and the mining operations at Koolan Island:

Koolan Island Marine Port Description

Location

• Geographical Position: Koolan Island lies off the north-western coast of Australia in the Indian Ocean.
• Coordinates: Approximately 16.1242° S latitude and 123.7531° E longitude.

Ownership and Management

• Operated by Mount Gibson Iron Limited, an Australian resources company specializing in iron ore production.

Infrastructure

• Wharf Facilities: The island's port facilities include berthing facilities for bulk carriers. The wharf can handle large vessels for the export of iron ore.
• Operational Depth: The waters around the port are deep enough to accommodate Cape-size bulk carriers, essential for the efficient shipment of large quantities of iron ore.
• Mooring: The port facilities include several mooring buoys to assist in the safe docking and undocking of ships.

Cargo Handling

• Primary Cargo: The principal cargo handled at this port is iron ore.
• Loading Equipment: The port is equipped with conveyor systems to facilitate the efficient loading of iron ore from the stockpile areas to the vessels. This machinery ensures high loading rates to minimize turnaround times.

Storage and Stockpiles

• Stockpile Areas: There are designated stockpile areas for storing processed iron ore before it is loaded onto ships.
• Capacity: The specific storage capacity can handle significant tonnage, ensuring that operations are smooth and interruptions are minimized.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

• Environmental Management: The island operations include strict environmental management practices to mitigate the ecological impact, including dust control, waste management, and water quality monitoring.
• Safety Protocols: Operational safety is paramount, with protocols to protect workers and maritime operations, including emergency response plans, regular drills, and an on-site medical facility.

Specifications

Berth Specifications

• Number of Berths: One primary berth for large vessels.
• Loading Rate: High-efficiency conveyor belts capable of high loading rates, potentially exceeding 5,000 tons per hour, depending on the vessel and operational conditions.

Vessel Specifications

• Type of Vessels: Capesize bulk carriers, Panamax, and smaller bulk carriers.
• Maximum Vessel Size: Vessels up to a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 200,000 tons can be accommodated.

Auxiliary Services

• Tug Services: Tug services are available to assist with the maneuvering of vessels.
• Bunkering: Limited bunkering services are available; hence, vessels often refuel at larger hubs.
• Pilotage: Compulsory pilotage services to ensure safe navigation in and out of the port.

Accessibility

• Access Routes: The port has maritime access routes that are well-charted and free from major navigational hazards.
• Proximity to Other Ports: The island is relatively remote, with the nearest major international port being in Fremantle, Western Australia.

Operational Highlights

• Export Volume: Koolan Island contributes significantly to Australia's iron ore export market, with substantial annual export volumes.
• Operational Hours: The island's port operates round-the-clock to maximize operational efficiency and export rates.

Challenges

• Weather Conditions: The region is prone to cyclones which can disrupt operations. Thus, there is a significant emphasis on weather monitoring and emergency preparedness.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial due to the harsh marine environment which can accelerate wear and tear on port infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Koolan Island marine port is a critical node in Australia's iron ore export network, featuring advanced infrastructure capable of handling large bulk carriers and significant annual tonnages of iron ore. The port’s operations are characterized by their efficiency, robust environmental management, and focus on safety.