BCI Minerals has signed a 21-year, $598 million transhipment services agreement with CSL Australia for its Mardie salt and potash project in Western Australia.
Transhipping eliminates the need for towage and pilots, an alternative BCI expects to perform well in Mardie’s weather conditions.
The transhipper will travel 12–15 nautical miles from BCI Minerals’ jetty loadout facility to load ocean-going vessels with a deadweight of up to 207,000 tonnes.
BCI said this will offer the Mardie project a significant strategic advantage over Pilbara competitors which cannot load vessels of this size.
“BCI Minerals is very pleased to sign this major contract with CSL for a vessel specifically designed for the Mardie salt and potash project, which will provide us with a secure and cost-effective shipping solution providing real benefits to our operations and our customers,” BCI managing director David Boshoff said.
“CSL’s market leading reputation for delivering transhipment solutions and their commitment to safety and reliability make them an ideal long-term partner for BCI Minerals.”
The transhipment services agreement with CSL will be delivered in two phases.
Phase one of the contract will commence at BCI’s Cape Preston West Port in the second half of 2026.
CSL will provide a time-chartered vessel for transhipment while a new dedicated vessel is being constructed.
Phase Two transhipment services will start in 2027 with a new transhipment vessel purpose-built for the Mardie project.
“We are honoured to collaborate with BCI Minerals – a valued partner with whom we share a strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility,” CSL president and chief executive officer Louis Martel said.
“CSL is thrilled to spearhead the design, construction, and operation of this custom-built diesel-electric ship, which will serve as a high-performance, safe and sustainable solution for the Mardie project.”
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