The shipping platform

Location: Port Pirie is situated 223km N of Adelaide. General overview: NyrStar operates one of the largest smelters in the world, exporting large quantities of zinc concentrates and lead, other exports include grain and seeds. Principal imports comprising minerals, coal and ore. Traffic figures: Approx 56 vessels and 712,000t of cargo are handled annually, largely dependent on the grain season. Load line zone: Summer. Max size: Day LOA 185m, night LOA 180m, beam 28m. Largest vessel handled: "African Express" 45,877DWT. Largest vessel in dimensions is the "Hua Guang", LOA 191m, beam 28m. Vessels have sailed from the port with draughts in excess of 8.4m under suitable tidal conditions.