The shipping platform

Location: Broome is situated on the N coast of Western Australia between Darwin and Port Hedland. General overview: Broome is a trading port and a supply centre/base for vessels servicing the oil and gas exploration activities off the coast, cruise vessels, pearling and fishing vessels. Major exports include drilling equipment, livestock and general cargoes. Main Imports: Bulk fuel, cement, mud, building materials, bulk bitumen and drilling equipment. Main Exports: Livestock. Traffic figures: Approx 1,194 commercial vessels, 349,500t of cargo and 220TEU handled annually. Load line zone: South Indian Ocean Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical May 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Apr 30. Max size: Max LOA 280m, draught 9.5m, 40,000t displacement. Largest vessel handled: "Superstar Virgo", 75,338GT, LOA 268m.