Singapore-based Rocktree Logistics is designing and managing the conversion of a post-panamax bulker into a transshipment vessel for Abu Dhabi Ports’ maritime services arm Safeen.

Work to convert the 101,600-dwt Niki (built 2006) at China’s Cosco Guangzhou Shipyard is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter.

Safeen acquired the ship in April from Larus SA of Greece for a price that was said to be close to $12.1m. Vessel tracking data indicates that it arrived in Guangzhou in June.

The ship will begin operating in its new role under the name Hafeet in January 2021.

Its primary purpose will be to transship iron ore from bulkers of up to newcastlemax size at a deepwater anchorage onto 12,000-dwt, self-propelled, self-discharging shuttle barges that will supply the Emirates Steel plant at Musaffah Port in Abu Dhabi.

'Very positive'

Captain Adil Banihammad, head of Abu Dhabi Ports Maritime Cluster and Safeen chief executive, described the organisation as being “very positive about this latest project, which is in line with our vision of expansion into the transshipment sector”.

“The transshipment contract serving Emirates Steel adds one more feather to Safeen’s cap after the ongoing management of a similar project in West Africa,” he added.

Emirates Steel was established in 1998 and has grown to become the United Arab Emirates' largest steel producers, with an annual production capacity of 3.5m tonnes.

Its steel plant jetty is located at Musaffah Channel, which has a five-metre draught restriction.

Transshipment activity off Musaffah Port is carried out by transshipment vessels belonging to Oldendorff Carriers. It is unclear whether the Hafeet will supplement or replace these.

Complex conversion

The Hafeet will be equipped with four 32-tonne SWL grab cranes, two double hoppers and a 3,000-tonnes-per-hour conveyor system. Photo: Rocktree

The conversion of the bulker Niki into the transshipment vessel Hafeet has begun, with Rocktree and Safeen technical teams working with Cosco Guangzhou and equipment suppliers on the design.

“We identify the customer’s requirements, carry out pre-feasibility studies and designs, and take on the full project and operational management, to ensure works are carried out smoothly and efficiently,” explained Mario Terenzio, managing director of Rocktree's third-party projects arm, Rocktree Consulting.

The complex project will include installing a new cargo-handling facility and ancillary equipment consisting of four 32-tonne SWL grab cranes, two double hoppers, a 3,000-tonne-per-hour conveyor system and one luffing/slewing barge-loader.

The vessel will also be able to store iron ore pellets inside seven cargo holds while waiting for the shuttle barges.

It will be fitted out with three new diesel generators and additional mooring and fendering systems. Extra steel work will add 2,328 tonnes to its lightweight tonnage.

Transshipment experience

The RT Genoa is one of five transshipment vessels in the Rocktree fleet. Photo: Francesco Canepa/MarineTraffic

Rocktree Logistics was formerly Scorpio Logistics, whose chief executive, Daniele Pratolongo, bought Emanuele Lauro's stake in the business in 2011.

The company describes itself a pure-play specialist in customised and fully integrated dry bulk commodity logistics solutions.

For the Safeen contract, it said it is drawing on the technical and operational expertise gained from developing 38 floating logistics platforms, including floating cranes, self-discharging vessels and transshipment vessels.

Transshipment vessels carry out the same functions as a land-based port terminal, but are considerably less capital-intensive and are quicker to design, construct and mobilise. They have a limited environmental impact as they require limited or no dredging.

They have proved especially useful in emerging markets as they bypass infrastructure challenges, as well as provide a fast, cost-effective alternative to existing ports affected by draught restrictions and other limitations.

Rocktree operates four transshipment vessels in Indonesian waters and a fifth in Russia.

In addition, it undertakes third-party turnkey projects, covering everything from the initial design concept to medium to long-term management and operations.

Increasing exports

Last November, it completed the front-end engineering and design for a new floating terminal for Australia’s Metro Mining.

The work formed part of an updated feasibility study for the stage two expansion of the Bauxite Hills Mine, about 95 km north of Weipa, Queensland. The project is part of Metro Mining’s plan to increase bauxite exports from 3.5m tonnes to 6m tonnes per year by 2022.

Pratolongo said the Safeen project was part of Rocktree’s overall growth strategy.

“We not only expect further expansion in the regions in which we currently operate — Russia, Indonesia, Australia — but also in the Middle East,” he said.