1st 300,000t VLCC berths at Qinzhou Port

The 300,000-metric-ton very large crude carrier (VLCC) Front Tyne berthed at the 300,000-ton crude oil terminal of Qinzhou Port on Dec 18.

It has marked the first time a 300,000-ton VLCC has met the berthing standards since the operation of the 300,000-ton crude oil terminal at Qinzhou Port in November 2021, and it is also the deepest berthing of a vessel in Guangxi's history.

The Front Tyne, with a length of 329.99 meters, width of 60 meters, draft of 20.5 meters, and depth of 29.7 meters, has a carrying capacity of 299,985 tons. It represents a significant advancement in the piloting technology for 300,000-ton VLCCs.

Front Tyne berths at Qinzhou Port. [Photo/Guangxi Daily]

To ensure the smooth berthing of Front Tyne, the Qinzhou Pilot Station enhanced communication and coordination with various relevant units. After nearly four hours, the VLCC was safely piloted into the port for berthing under the guidance of three senior pilots.

Since the commencement of operations at the 300,000-ton crude oil terminal, the operational efficiency and service level of the terminal have continued to improve, with the average turnaround time decreasing from 16.01 hours in 2022 to 13.85 hours in 2024, resulting in a 13.49 percent of increase in operational efficiency.