Five years of demanding loading in Jøssingfjord

Text: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Kommunikasjon

As the enormous bulk carriers glide between the steep mountain walls of Jøssingfjord, they are escorted by Farmar’s tugboats. At the quay, they are met by a harbour master and crane operators — also from Farmar.

Together with the crews on board the vessels, Farmar’s team works to ensure that up to 36,000 tonnes of ilmenite are loaded safely before the ships set course out of the fjord — often bound for Asia.

THE FREQUENCY varies, but sometimes it’s one ship a month, says Farmar’s operations manager, Leif Steinar Simonsen.

The mineral comes from Titania’s open-pit mine at Tellnes, home to the world’s largest known ilmenite deposit. Titania accounts for ten per cent of global ilmenite production, and Farmar handles the port operations whenever ships arrive in the fjord.

“We provide the harbour master, crane operators and tug services. We’re starting to see the same ships returning, and we meet the same people on board. That’s a big advantage, because this is a complex operation,” says Simonsen.

THE CRANE WORK is carried out by Farmar’s own operators, who must adapt to new vessel types and different crane systems for each call.

“The crane job can be a bit challenging, as new ships with various crane types often turn up,” Simonsen explains.

Jøssingfjord also presents difficulties. It is extremely narrow, and the ships require tug assistance both in, out and during turning manoeuvres.

“During loading we may have up to three turnarounds. That job alone requires two tugboats,” says Simonsen.

HOW FAST the loading proceeds depends on light conditions and work schedules.

“We rely on daylight to turn the vessels, so the operation usually goes faster in summer,” he says.

Since these assignments began, several dozen ships have been handled.

Despite the demanding manoeuvres and the high level of responsibility, Simonsen values the work.

“It’s an important job for us, especially because the tugboats are involved as well. The ships need assistance in and out, and help to turn. It’s great to be a supplier that is appreciated. And it’s always good to have steady, recurring assignments,” he says.