Sealite News
15th December 2011
Newcastle Port Corporation Deploys Sealite Ocean Buoys for Coal Terminal Expansion
The Newcastle Port Corporation has purchased and installed Sealite Trident-3000 Polyethylene Ocean Buoys fitted with SL125 5-7nm+ GPS flash synchronised LED lanterns as part of their recent coal terminal expansion.
Sealite’s Trident-3000 buoys were the perfect solution to meet Newcastle Port Corporation’s requirements for “Harbour Class” buoys, with the initial replacement of existing steel buoys within the main shipping channel of the harbour.
The buoys were chosen over steel buoy products due to their increased visibility, lower initial cost outlay, reduced ongoing maintenance costs and superior service life.
In addition, from a safety perspective, the Trident-3000 is far easier to handle during service intervals due to its lower overall weight, making the service contractors handling procedures far safer than for steel buoys.
The second part of the project was to provide Port Hand channel marks for the coal export terminal commissioned by the NCIG (Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group). The Port of Newcastle is one of Australia’s busiest ports. Coal is railed in from the Hunter Valley to Kooragang Island in Newcastle, and then transferred to the ship loaders before being moved onto the massive Panamax type ships for export.
The expansion of the coal export facilities in Newcastle represents a significant increase in the port’s ability to export materials for the increasing demand from world-wide markets.
This project showcases Sealite’s ability to work direct with a major port authority, to supply a world-class navigation aid; suited specifically to the local operational requirements.
“The commissioning of the nine Trident-3000 buoys within Newcastle Harbour further establishes Sealite as the leading manufacturer of polyethylene buoy products in Australia.”
Dean Rawolle, Business Development Manager, Sealite
Click HERE for the full version of Sealite's Case Study
Click HERE for more information about the TRIDENT-3000 Ocean Buoy
