Norden’s Wyndham operations underway

NORDEN’s first port logistic project in Australia is underway with the arrival of two purpose-built barges in Wyndham.

The 10,054 DWT, 94.50 x 27.46 x 6.19-metre Nord Wallaby I and II were built by Yangzhou Tengda Shipbuilding and delivered to Wyndham by tug Sea Cod.

The barges will be marshalled by Engage Towage’s Mallina and Engage Endeavour to service Norden’s contract with miner Kimberley Metals Group, transhipping iron ore from the Wyndam loader to bulk carriers in deep water. This supplements an existing operation.

The barge design, build and delivery contract was undertaken by WA’s Australia Marine Services, which says it was selected by Norden due to the company's vast experience and 20 years history in designing and building barges that range from 100ft to 400ft in length.

“Both barges are fully spec'd to the project needs as well as the harsh working condition and environment of Northern Western Australia,” the company said.

“From the paint system to the equipment outfitting of the barges, AMS provided strict supervision and management during the construction to guarantee an ultimate final product to the client. NORDEN and AMS have inspected the barges at various stages of the construction with satisfactory as well as impressive outcomes within a very tight project schedule.

“With the successful collaboration between AMS and NORDEN, both companies are looking to collaborate again in the near future, aligned with NORDEN's vision and goal of expanding their market in Australia as well as globally in other regions,” AMS said.

NORDEN this week announced a logistics contract with Africa Oil Supply in Guinea, under which it will tranship bauxite from the Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee jetty in panamax bulkers via floating cranes to capsize vessels destined for China.