Australian Minister visits OMC

(Posted on 06/04/20)

OMC International recently hosted the Hon. Keith Pitt MP, Minister for Resources, Water and

Northern Australia at its head office, where Minister Pitt was given an overview of OMC’s

Dynamic Under Keel Clearance technology. This world leading, locally developed e-navigation

and port optimisation software provides enormous benefits to Australia’s ports and shipping

The primary applications of DUKC are to:

1. Ensure the safety and prevent groundings of vessels transiting a port or waterway;

2. Increase the sailing drafts (i.e. cargo) on a vessel, thereby reducing freight costs;

3. Reduce environmental impacts through:

a. Optimising vessel arrival times at ports thereby minimising vessel emissions,

b. Reducing the number of vessels required to carry export cargo volumes; and

c. Minimising dredging requirements.

4. Increase the available sailing window for a vessel, thereby reducing port congestion and

wait times, and increasing port throughput and efficiency;

5. Facilitate larger vessel classes into Australian ports, thereby maintaining their

competitiveness and minimising costs for industry.

The value of DUKC to Australia’s resource sector is significant, with approximately 98% of iron

ore exports, 99% of alumina shipments, 90% of coal exports, 77% of bauxite shipments, and 76%

of crude imports benefiting from the efficiencies delivered by DUKC.

For example, DUKC® can increase the available draft of a vessel by up to 1m without the need

for dredging. To put this in perspective, DUKC increases the throughput of iron ore through the

Pilbara ports of Port Hedland, Dampier and Cape Lambert by up to 10%. With the value of iron

ore exports expected to exceed $100 billion, DUKC® could provide the equivalent of $10b per

annum in additional revenue.

Furthermore, by shipping the same volume on fewer vessels, DUKC® reduces the CO2 emissions

of these exports by 1.2m tonnes per annum; equivalent to taking approximately 255,000 cars off

the road.

“It’s great to see innovative Australian technology delivering world class safety and huge

economic value for our resources sector,” Minister Pitt said.

“Resource and energy exports are vital to Australia’s economy and it’s essential to ensure safety

of shipping whilst optimising throughput. DUKC is facilitating ports to achieve this.”  

Latest News

Posidonia 2026 takes centre stage amid global freedom of navigation challenges

From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia... Read more

First maritime compliance & prevention-focused organisation, PaS, joins DBCE

Prevention at Sea (PaS), a leading maritime compliance, auditing, and digital solutions provider, has... Read more

NorthStandard reports strong results and strategic momentum

NorthStandard has reported strong financial results, continued strategic progress and enhanced support... Read more

Latest guidance for vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz

Hundreds of vessels remain unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz and, in the event of a return to more... Read more

The Bahamas regains QUALSHIP 21 eligibility

The Bahamas has regained eligibility for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme... Read more

First dedicated STS standard for dry bulk released by INTERCARGO

Ship to ship (STS) transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations, and they are growing. As... Read more

Columbia reinforces commitment to maritime talent

Columbia Group has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals... Read more

Jamaica marks 50 years at IMO with call for island states to shape future

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has marked Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as a member of the International... Read more

Costamare Bulkers logs first profit after Cargill deal removes most legacy trading

Costamare Bulkers Holdings Limited has reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended... Read more

NORDEN strengthens fleet with the addition of four Handysize vessels

NORDEN have announced that they have expanded their fleet with the purchase of four dry cargo Handysize... Read more