Efficient planning of load and unload sequences is critical for any vessel, especially when operating under stringent port requirements like those in Port Hedland. This article highlights the importance of accurate calculations, trim control, and synchronized ballasting operations. ⚓

Why Sequence Planning Matters ⚠️
Whether loading or unloading, your sequence must:

Ensure safe trim and stability. ✅
Match the terminal's loading/unloading rate. ⏱️
Align with your vessel's deballasting capabilities. 💪
Meet port draft and trim restrictions. 🚧
Errors in planning can lead to:

Delays or complete operational halts. ⏳🚫
Unsafe drafts or excessive trim. 📉
Damage to cargo equipment. 🛠️💥
Service refusals or fines from the terminal. 💸
Case Study: Loading at Port Hedland (Capesize Bulk Carrier) 📦
Port Hedland is one of the world's busiest iron ore export ports, with an average loading rate of 5,000–6,000 tons per hour. At such high speeds, precise trim and ballast management are paramount.

Arrival Requirements:

Forward Draft: Exactly 7.00 meters 📏
Trim: Not exceeding 0.7% of Length Overall (LOA) 📐
Air Draft: Not exceeding 17 meters 🌬️
For Capesize vessels, this means meticulous trimming and deballasting are required before arrival.

Our Optimized Arrival Condition ✅
Based on our experience, the most effective arrival configuration is:

Heavy ballast in Cargo Hold 4 (CH4). 🚢
All other Double Bottom Tanks (DBT) and Topside Tanks (TST) empty or stripped dry. 💧
Why this works:

Faster deballasting: CH4 can be emptied much quicker than multiple DBTs and TSTs. 💨
Time-saving: Crucial for short port stays and high loading rates. ⏱️
Reduced risk: Minimizes delays due to stripping issues or insufficient pump performance. 📉
Important: Arriving with an empty CH4 if your goal is to speed up the process is counterproductive. The optimal approach is a full CH4 with all other ballast tanks empty. ❗

Ballast System Limitations ⚙️
Some ballast systems cannot simultaneously deballast and strip tanks as both processes use the same ballast pumps. This creates a bottleneck:

If many DBTs or TSTs require stripping, deballasting slows down. 🐌
CH4, conversely, can be deballasted without stripping, significantly faster. ⚡
Tactical Advice: Prioritize ballasting in CH4 over DBT/TST tanks before entering Port Hedland to streamline the process upon arrival. 🧠

Critical Note on Trim During Loading ❗
If your vessel develops a head trim during loading, it can lead to a critical situation with deballasting. Losing stern trim makes deballasting virtually impossible. 😱

If the vessel is already trimmed by the head and deballasting is still ongoing:

Immediately reduce or temporarily suspend the loading rate. 🛑
This allows the vessel to regain normal trim and complete deballasting. ✅
Warning: Continuing to load with a head trim will cause pumps to lose efficiency, potentially leading to a complete halt of the operation. 🚫

Always monitor trim changes during loading. If necessary, stop cargo flow to maintain deballasting efficiency. 📊

Real-World Example & Documentation 📄
Below is an actual loading sequence form from a Port Hedland terminal used during operations. 📎

Note: Forms are subject to updates. Always verify the latest version provided by the terminal before arrival. 📌

Key Takeaways ✨
Effective load and unload planning must consider:

Specific port requirements (draft, trim, and air draft limitations). 🗺️
Ballast pump capabilities. 💧
Deballasting and stripping sequences. 🔀
The relationship between loading rate and pump capacity. ⚖️