Rocktree has reported handling record cargo volumes of 28 million tonnes during 2019, in a year that marked a number of significant milestones for the Singapore-based waterborne logistics specialist.
Last year saw its newly established subsidiary company Rocktree Consulting awarded first contracts, while its joint venture company Rocktree EMCO Stevedore started first transshipments from the Port of Shakhtersk.
Operations under the joint-venture began in April 2019, when Rocktree deployed the multi-purpose supramax vessel RT Genova and the self-propelled floating terminal EMCO-1.
The two floating terminals operate offshore Sakhalin Island with four self-propelled feeder barges and assist tugs, enabling East Mining Company (EMCO) to increase delivery volumes to 9 million tonnes during the eight months of the ice-free season.
Rocktree’s other floating terminals and barging operations are currently offshore Indonesia.
RT Genova loaded Sakhalin’s first-ever capesize vessel with cargo from the Port of Shakhtersk, in May 2019.
“It was a milestone year, largely resultant of the success of the JV and the new consulting arm, which allowed us and our clients to expand into new geographical and commodity markets,” said Rocktree CEO, Daniele Pratolongo.
Speaking from Singapore, Daniel Miller, Head of Business Development, said the success of the JV’s first-year operations exceeded expectations.
“Prior to the joint venture, EMCO was largely limited to loading cargoes onto supramax vessels and a few panamax vessels, but we can now load onto larger tonnage vessels:  post-panamax and capesize thus reducing the transportation costs to end users.
“This capability has opened up new markets and extended the loading season. We can get bigger ships in to transport larger volumes at lower cost to a greater geographical area.”