Port Of Mobile Sets Loading Record For Export Metallurgical Coal

The NSU Voyager, a Newcastle Max-class bulk cargo ship, called on the Port of Mobile’s McDuffie Coal Terminal recently, loading a record 135,484 short tons of export metallurgical grade coal. The ship, measuring 300 meters by 50 meters, ties the record for the largest bulk carrier to call on the port. All the coal was bound for Asian markets.

Port officials credit ongoing channel improvements, including the upcoming project to deepen the harbor to 50 feet, for the growth in Post-Panamax vessel calls. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers anticipates letting the first contract on the channel deepening by the end of this year.

“When our channel is deepened, the Newcastle Max will be able to load far more tonnage, generating more capacity and better rates to service international market opportunities,” said Rick Clark, deputy director and chief operating officer for the Alabama State Port Authority.

The port authority owns and operates the public port facilities at the Port of Mobile, including the coal terminal. The port’s public facilities, which connect to two interstates, five Class I railroads and the nation’s inland waterways, handle more than 26 million tons of cargo annually.